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Climate Change and Extreme Weather

How Climate Change Impacts Health

Climate change, together with other natural and human-made health stressors, influences human health and disease in numerous ways. Some existing health threats will intensify and new health threats will emerge. Not everyone is equally at risk. Important considerations include age, economic resources, and location.

In the United States, public health can be affected by disruptions of physical, biological, and ecological systems, including disturbances originating here and elsewhere. The health effects of these disruptions include increased respiratory and cardiovascular disease, injuries and premature deaths related to extreme weather events, changes in the prevalence and geographical distribution of food- and water-borne illnesses and other infectious diseases, and threats to mental health.

Effects of Climate Change on Health
How People Can Protect Their Health
Local Climate and Health Initiatives

The links below describe specific ways climate change affects our health.

For more information on the health effects of climate change, visit the Fifth National Climate Assessment Human Health Chapter and the USGCRP Climate and Health Assessment.

For more on the effects of climate change on health in different regions, see “Preparing for the Regional Health Impacts of Climate Change in the United States.”

For more information about how climate change disproportionately affects some communities, visit CDC’s webpage on justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in climate adaptation planning.

What You Can Do

Follow these steps to help protect yourself and your family:

Be informed and prepared: Learn more about emergency preparedness, extreme storms and flooding, outdoor air quality, harmful blue-green algae blooms, extreme heat and extreme cold weather, and tick-borne and mosquito-borne diseases.
Find out about how climate change affects your community: Use our Air Quality Index, Heat Vulnerability Index Maps, and Environmental Public Health Tracker.
Use tools and resources that can help you cope with changes in temperature such as the NYS Cooling Center Finder and Cooling Assistance Benefit Program.

Responding to Climate Change

New York State works to address climate change and protect New Yorkers:

The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act), which was passed in July of 2019, is among the most ambitious climate laws in the nation. The Climate Act aims to reduce greenhouse gases from 1990 levels by 40% by 2030 and at least 85% by 2050 by increasing renewable energy use and ensuring all communities equitably benefit in the clean energy transition.
New York State’s Extreme Heat Action Plan identifies and supports initiatives to keep residents safe and prepare communities for rising temperatures.
New York State’s emergency preparedness programs protect New Yorkers, their property, and our economic well-being from emergencies and disasters.

At every level, people can take action to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The actions you take at home, at work, at school, on the go, and in your community all add up to make a difference. Individuals and organizations alike can take steps to assess and reduce their environmental footprints.

Many of the actions that are good for the environment also help save you money. Focusing on efficiency and minimizing waste are especially cost-effective. Actions that protect our natural resources and combat climate change are good for our health, quality of life, and shared future.

Energy	Waste	Transportation
Save energy by looking for ENERGY STAR products and learn how to save energy at home.	Reduce waste and reuse products by recycling and composting. Find a recycling or composting station near you.	Reduce your fuel emissions by greening your commute and biking, walking, carpooling, or taking public transportation.
Water	Environmental Justice	Do More
Conserve water at home by installing low-flow shower heads, finding water leaks, and landscaping with plants that need less water.	Learn what climate issues threaten your neighborhoods, who is most vulnerable, and how you can help.	Learn more about climate change science and participate in in citizen science projects.

Overview

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can help eligible New Yorkers heat and cool their homes.

If you are eligible, you may receive one regular HEAP benefit per program year and could also be eligible for emergency HEAP benefits if you are in danger of running out of fuel or having your utility service shut off.

Contact the Allegany County Department of Social Services for questions about the HEAP program.

Allegany County Department of Social Services
7 Court Street
County Office Bldg. Rm. 127
Belmont, NY 14813
Fax: 585.268.9479
Phone: 585.268.9622
Hours:
8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Cooling Assistance Benefit

If you are eligible, you may receive one Cooling Assistance benefit per applicant household for the purchase and installation of an air conditioner or a fan to help your home stay cool.

In circumstances where an air conditioner cannot be safely installed, a fan will be provided.

Only one air conditioner or fan, not to exceed $800 with installation for a window, portable air conditioner, or fan and not to exceed $1,000 for an existing wall sleeve unit, will be provided per applicant household. No additional HEAP cash benefits are available.

You may be eligible for a Cooling Assistance HEAP benefit if:

Your household’s gross monthly income is at or below the current income guidelines for your household size as posted in the following table, or
You receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, or
You receive Temporary Assistance (TA), or
You receive Code A Supplemental Security Income (SSI Living Alone), or
You received a Regular benefit greater than $21 in the current program year or received a Regular benefit equal to $21 during the current program year and reside in government subsidized housing with heat included in your rent, and
Your household contains at least one individual with a documented medical condition that is exacerbated by extreme heat, or
Your household contains a vulnerable member based on their age (60 years or older, or under age 6) which meet all other component eligibility criteria, and
A member of your household is a United States Citizen or Qualified Non-Citizen, and
You currently do not have a working air conditioner or the air conditioner you have is five years old or older, and
You did not receive a HEAP funded air conditioner within the past five years.

Your household eligibility requirements include filing an application with your local department of social services, providing all necessary documentation, and the household must reside in an eligible living situation.

Getting the air conditioner installed

The participating Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) vendor list can be obtained by accessing the HEAP Participating Vendor List. Select your county of residence, “Cooling” as the fuel type, and pressing “Go”. It will be your responsibility to maintain the air conditioner. This includes the responsibility to remove, cover, store, and/or reinstall the unit or the installation sleeve after vendor installation.

You can apply for a HEAP Cooling Assistance benefit when it is open:

By Phone:
You may call your HEAP Local District Contact. The district will provide more information on eligibility, the application process, and required documentation.

In person:
You may apply in person at your HEAP Local District Contact

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