A power outage on the Lower East Side had many looking for ways to beat the heat.

The outage was caused by a manhole fire, not the heat.

Con Edison crews spent the day trying to get the power back on.

The utility says it's doing its best to be prepared for any heat-related outages, but with no air conditioning or fans to keep cool, many residents headed outside.

"Sadly, it's cooler outside than it is inside," said one resident. "There's no air conditioning. The outlets don't work, so the fans don't work."

"It's always been hot, but today, it was more hot, worse than it has ever been since I've been there," said another.

"We'll be staffing up and making sure we have crew coverage around the clock to respond to anything that might come up," said Con Edison spokesperson Michael Clendenin.

To beat the heat, you'll want to drink enough fluids to stay hydrated.

Take cool baths or showers to keep your body temperature down.

If you can, avoid going outside during the hottest part of the day - between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.