Update: Cooling Center Opened in North Massapequa

With temperatures breaking the 100 degree mark Tuesday afternoon, officials urged residents to stay out of the heat and for those who can't, cooling centers and pools were opened late. 

Two cooling centers–the North Massapequa Community Center at 214 N. Albany Ave. in North Massapequa and the Sandell Senior Center at 50 S. Park Ave. in Rockville Centre–were  opened until 9 p.m for those seeking relief from the blistering temperatures. 

"We had about 30 to 40 people in today," said Liz Fox a volunteer with Nassau County's Community Emergency Response Team, which ran the North Massapequa center.

"A lot came in for regular senior citizens programs, but several said they came here because of the heat," she said.

"They were very happy when we gave them water."

Fox said that none of the people who came to the center suffered from any health issues related to the hot weather.

The cooling center will be open again Wednesday morning, Fox said, but it wasn't known how late it would operate.

Meanwhile, officials throughout the area were urging people to be cautious.

"The combination of heat and humidity can become unbearable and dangerous for many of our residents, and the county is doing all it can to provide some relief,"  said Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano.

"I encourage everyone to take precautions to stay as cool as possible."

Mangano also kept county pools open an hour later.

Temperatures soared throughout the afternoon breaking 101 degrees at Islip and JFK airports and 103 at La Guardia. The hot weather was expected to continue Wednesday with a slight ease in temperatures expected Thursday.

The Long Island Power Authority officials warned  that the excessive heat and high electric demand could cause some scattered power outages and there were a few dozen outages in the Massapequa area during the day. To report an outage, call (800) 490-0075 or (631) 755-6900.

The Nassau County Department of Health also offers the following information 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.
• Increase non-alcoholic fluid intake.
• 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.

Elderly people, infants, and many individuals with chronic medical conditions are at high risk for heat-related problems and should be very cautious about exposure.

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.

Many people who headed for pools or air conditioned areas, but Chris Elais, 25, who pulled a 12 hour shift at a fast food restaurant in North Massapequa wasn't as lucky.

"It's well over 100 degrees in there," he said of the air conditioning-deprvied kitchen. "You can't stay in front of the fryer for more than 10 minutes."

"I'm drinking cold water,  I'm getting hosed down, iced down throughout the shift."