Politics & Government

Cooling Centers to Open Thursday

Heat advisory issued for Massapequa and rest of Nassau County with temperatures expected in high 90s.

Nassau County will open several cooling centers Thursday because of a heat advisory issued for the region.

The William P. Bennett Hicksville Community Center will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Other centers will be open in Rockville Centre, Freeport, North Hempstead and the Salvation Army.

“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 County Executive Ed Mangano. “I encourage everyone to take precautions to stay as cool as possible.”

Find out what's happening in Massapequawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The National Weather Service said Nassau County temperatures are expected to hit mid to high 90’s with a heat index between 100 to 104 degrees.

The centers and locations are:

Find out what's happening in Massapequawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Town of Oyster Bay

 Hicksville Community Center, 28 West Carl St., Hicksville (516) 797-7900

(Open Thursday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

Rockville Centre:

  • The Leonard S. Sandel Senior Center, 50 South Park Avenue, (516) 678-9350

(Open Thursday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

  • The Anderson Recreation Center, 111 Oceanside Road (516) 678-9238

(Open Thursday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.)

Freeport:

  • Freeport Recreation Center, 130 E. Merrick Rd, Freeport, (516) 377-2314

(Open Thursday 6:15am-10pm)

Town of Oyster Bay:

  • William P. Bennett Hicksville Community Center, 28 West Carl St., Hicksville (516) 797-7900

(Open Thursday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

Town of North Hempstead:

  • Manorhaven Beach Park, Manorhaven Boulevard, Manorhaven (516) 869-6311

(Open 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.)

  • Clinton G. Martin Park, Marcus Avenue & New Hyde Park Rd., New Hyde Park (516) 869-6311

(Open 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.)

  • Tully Park, 1801 Evergreen Ave, New Hyde Park, (516) 869-6311

(Open Thursday 10a.m. –  8 p.m.)

  • Charles J. Fuschillo Park, Carle Road at Broadmoor Lane, Carle Place (516) 869-6311

(Open 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.)

Salvation Army:

  • Freeport Salvation Army, 66 Church Street, Freeport

(Open Thursday 9am – 4:30 p.m.)

The New York Red Cross urged people to take precautions, offering these tips:

  • Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit within minutes. Exposure to such high temperatures can kill in minutes.
  • Drink plenty of water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you don't feel thirsty. Injury and death can occur from dehydration, which can happen quickly and unnoticed. Symptoms of dehydration are often confused with other causes. Your body needs water to keep cool. Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies.
  • Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine. They can make you feel good briefly, but make the heat's effects on your body worse. This is especially true about beer, which actually dehydrates the body. People who are on fluid-restrictive diets or who have a problem with fluid retention should consult their doctor before increasing liquid intake.
  • Air conditioning provides the safest escape from extreme heat, and there are ways to maximize how it can work for you: 
    • Install window air conditioners snugly.
    • Check air conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
    • Vacuum air conditioner filters weekly during periods of high use to provide more cool air.

The Nassau County Department of Health also offered recommendations:

  • 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.

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.

For more information, contact the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management at (516) 573-0636.


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