Using AI to help with heat safety
Extreme heat in New York City is an increasingly dangerous health threat that must be taken seriously. Last summer alone, 21 New Yorkers died directly from high heat, 490 died due to exacerbated underlying conditions like diabetes and heart disease, and more than 1,100 were hospitalized during heat waves.
Tragically, many of these cases were likely avoidable with proper intervention. For example, some of the strongest predictors of heat-related illnesses include lack of home cooling systems and social isolation. Many of the most at-risk individuals live alone, with a limited support network to check on their health and well-being.
Reaching New Yorkers early, explaining the risks, and telling them how best to protect themselves is a proven, effective method for reducing heat-related hospital visits and health incidents. Recent innovations powered by artificial intelligence (AI) can help make these interventions effective,........
