The intense heat was just one problem at a housing complex in Brooklyn, where most of the elevators were not working for much of the day.

Sources say the elevators at the Bushwick Houses had to be taken down as part of a 5 percent reduction in voltage at several New York City Housing Authority buildings to conserve energy. That meant many people had to climb the stairs Wednesday to get to their apartments in the 20-story complex.

Others chose to stay outside rather than make the trek.

"I'm tired," said one resident. "I had surgery on my leg."

"A lot of elderly people here, and people in wheelchairs that are stuck," said another.

"Very frustrating. When you have to use the john and you can't. When you're hungry, you have to send out for food. And nobody's gonna pay that bill," said a third.

City parks can offer relief from the heat in a number of ways.

Our crew was out in Prospect Park early Wednesday morning as joggers and dog walkers tried to squeeze in a visit before the heat of the day.

"I actually woke up a little earlier today," said one parkgoer. "I guess I knew it was going to be hot, but it's actually warmer than I even thought it would be."

"Oh my God, today was beautiful," said another. "It's a little more humid than it was yesterday, but I feel like there's more people out today, too. So it's more enjoyable when you're out here with everyone. And everyone's so nice. Like, everyone, 'Good morning,' and it's really welcoming. Good community."

If you can't get to a park, there are 500 cooling centers open citywide. Call 311 for the one nearest you.

City officials are urging people to drinks lots of water, even if you're not thirsty.

The mayor is urging you to limit your time outdoors, check on your neighbors and pay close attention to children and the elderly.

The city is asking residents to conserve energy during the extreme heat.

Mayor Bill de Blasio says New Yorkers should keep cool, but be conscious about the energy they're using.

He's urging residents to set their air conditioners to 78 degrees.

The mayor says this will keep people safe and prevent power outages around the city.

"As the temperature goes up, so does energy usage, and that creates the danger of blackouts and brownouts, and we do not want to see that happen in this city on any major scale" de Blasio said. "So right now, there's a big strain on our electrical grid."

The mayor and Con Edison are also asking New Yorkers to turn off unused appliances and lights.