Department of Buildings Advises Property Owners, Contractors, & Workers to Take Precautionary Measures During Severe Heat and Thunderstorms

For Immediate Release
August 6, 2026

***WEATHER ADVISORY***

DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS ADVISES PROPERTY OWNERS, CONTRACTORS, & WORKERS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES DURING SEVERE HEAT AND THUNDERSTORMS

The New York City area may experience severe weather including high temperatures, with heat indices potentially reaching up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and isolated thunderstorms, starting today, Thursday, August 6, and continuing through Friday, August 7. Accordingly, DOB is reminding all builders, contractors, crane operators, and property owners to secure their construction sites, buildings, and equipment. All contractors and workers who are outside are also urged to take every precaution, and follow all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines to prevent heat-related illness. That includes ensuring everyone on the work site stays properly hydrated, avoids prolonged sun exposure, and are taking necessary breaks.

On June 22, 2026, Mayor Zohran Mamdani signed Executive Order 17, requiring city agencies to develop enhanced protocols during days with extreme heat. The Department of Buildings is required to send out hear notifications to the industry reminding them of their legal responsibilities to protect their workers.

Know the signs of heat illness. Heat stroke occurs when the body's temperature rises quickly, which can lead to death. Call 911 or go to an emergency room if you or someone you know has the following symptoms:

• Hot, dry skin
• Confusion, hallucinations, and disorientation
• Loss of consciousness or being unresponsive
• Nausea or vomiting
• Trouble breathing
• Fast, strong pulse
• Weakness
• Dizziness

People suffering from heat exhaustion need to get to a cool place, remove extra clothes and drink lots of water. Symptoms to look for:

• Heavy sweating
• Cold, clammy skin
• Muscle cramps
• Lightheadedness or feeling faint
• Headache
• Decreased energy
• Loss of appetite or nausea

New Yorkers are encouraged to call 311 to report non-compliant conditions or 911 to report emergencies at construction sites or buildings. New Yorkers who suspect a building or property has been structurally compromised should call 911.

Under §28-301.1 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York, property owners are legally obligated to maintain their properties in a safe condition.

Department weather advisories are strictly a courtesy to remind property owners to prepare their properties for severe weather and cannot be read to suggest that the department, rather than the property owner, is responsible for maintaining his or her property.