Avoid The Heat At Nassau County Cooling Centers

With high temperatures and humidity impacting the region, and an upcoming heat wave expected, cooling centers across Nassau County will be open to the public this week.

"The combination of heat and humidity can become unbearable and dangerous for many of our residents," said County Executive Edward Mangano. "I encourage residents to take precautions and visit one of our cooling centers if they need relief from the heat."

The following Cooling Centers – offered by Nassau County—are open for the remainder of the week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m."

• Mitchel Field Complex - 1 Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Uniondale - 516-572-0400
• Wantagh Park Community Center- 1 King Road, Wantagh – 516-571-7460
• Grant Park – 1625 Broadway, Hewlett – 516-571-7821

The Town of Oyster Bay will open these cooling centers during normal park operating hours:

• Bethpage Ice Center – 1001 Stewart Ave, Bethpage – 516-433-7465
• SYO Woodbury Ice Rink – 7900 Jericho Tpke, Woodbury – 516-677-5990
• Marjorie Post Rink – 451 Unqua Rd, Massapequa – 516-797-7990

In addition, the Town of Hempstead is opening all of its senior centers as cooling centers this week, from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

• Baldwin Senior Center, 1810 N. Grand Ave., Baldwin, (516) 546-7110
• Bellmore Senior Center, 2000 Bellmore Ave., Bellmore, (516) 221-9696
• Cedarhurst Senior Center, 200 Cedarhurst Avenue, Cedarhurst, (516) 295-1177 (until 4:30 PM)
• Elmont Senior Center, 138 Elmont Rd., Elmont, (516) 354-4777
• Franklin Square Senior Center, 1182 Martha Pl. Franklin Square, (516) 328-3010
• Green Acres Senior Center, 400 Flower Rd., Valley Stream, (516) 872-8810
• Levittown Senior Center, 555 N. Newbridge Rd., Levittown, (516) 433-5454
• Merrick Senior Center, 2550 Clubhouse Road, Merrick, (516) 868-4777
• Oceanside Senior Center, 2900 Rockaway Ave., Oceanside, (516) 766-8888
• Rosa Parks Senior Center, 2 Babylon Tpke., Roosevelt (516) 867-1612
• Salisbury Senior Center, 460 Salisbury Park Drive, Westbury, (516) 333-5440
• Uniondale-Hempstead Senior Center, 840 Uniondale Ave., Uniondale (516) 292-1313
• Uniondale-Merrick Senior Center, 750 Jerusalem Ave., Uniondale (516) 538-5050
• Wantagh Senior Center, 1150 Seamans Neck Rd., Wantagh (516) 785-8505

The Nassau County Department of Health also offered tips for residents to protect themselves and others during high temperatures:

• Check on relatives and friends, especially the elderly.
• Increase time spent in an air-conditioned environment.
• Drink fluids – especially water. Avoid beverages that contain alcohol.
• Take cool baths.
• Individuals especially at risk, such as the elderly or those with chronic illnesses, should refrain from physical activity, avoid being alone, keep their sleeping area well ventilated and avoid falling asleep in a hot room.
• Eat light, but nutritious foods.
• Avoid the sun at the hottest times of the day.
• Wear a hat and light, loose-fitting clothing.

If any person experiences heat stroke or exhaustion, get medical help immediately. Symptoms of heat-related illnesses may include: headache, dizziness, fatigue, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, and low pulse rate. Other symptoms may include cold pale and clammy skin or hot, flushed dry skin.

And never leaver children or pets in cars. Even in cool temperatures, cars can heat up to dangerous temperatures very quickly. Anyone left inside is at risk for serious heat-related illnesses or even death. Even with the windows cracked open, interior temperatures can rise almost 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes. Children and pets that are left unattended in parked cars are at greatest risk for heat stroke, and possibly death.

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