It’s hot out there, and Hempstead Town is responding to keep neighbors cool and healthy during the most recent heat wave. In specific, Supervisor Anthony J. Santino and Councilman Anthony D’Esposito have announced that America’s largest township is opening 15 cooling centers across the town between Monday, July 18 and Friday, July 22 . The hours of operation cover the hottest periods of the day, 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
“Heat and humidity can present health risks, especially for mature residents and people who have certain health conditions,” stated Santino. “By visiting one of our cooling centers, neighbors can cope with the heat and enjoy the company of neighbors.”
- 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 (open until 4:30 p.m.)
- East Meadow Senior Center, 1485 Front Street, East Meadow, 516-794-2458
- 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
“Our cooling centers provide a cool place to stay during the day,” mentioned D’Esposito. “What’s more, visitors can enjoy a cool drink and participate in activities that are offered at the various centers.”
Santino also offered residents important tips on how to stay cool and be safe during the scorching heat.
Taking steps to protect yourself from the dangers of high temperatures is important,” concluded Santino. “I invite residents to take advantage of the town’s cooling centers during this heat wave.”
- Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
- Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, usually between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Consider performing these tasks in the early morning or evening hours.
- When in the sun, wear sunscreen and a hat to protect your face and head.
- Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty.
- Eat well-balanced, light and regular meals.
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothes.
- NEVER leave children or pets in closed vehicles.
- Check on elderly family members, friends and neighbors.
- When indoors, use an air conditioner or fans to cool rooms if available.
- Cool down with repeated cool baths or showers.
- Consider going to public pools and air-conditioned stores and malls.
- Seniors and others who may be sensitive to extreme heat should contact friends, neighbors or relatives at least twice a day during a heat wave.
- Seek help if you feel symptoms of heat-related illness.
- Find a cooling center.
Note: Residents who experience electrical outages during this heat wave should contact PSEG (text “out” to PSEGLI [773454], call 800-490-0075, or visit www.psegliny.com
—Submitted by the Town of Hempstead
