Please note: This article has been updated with information from the Town of Riverhead.
By Hank Russell
With temperatures expected to reach nearly 100 degrees this weekend, local municipalities are preparing for this heat wave that is gripping the region.
In the Town of North Hempstead, two cooling centers will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the “Yes We Can” Community Center, located at 141 Garden Street in Westbury and the Clinton G. Martin Park at 1601 Marcus Avenue in New Hyde Park until July 5.
From July 1 to July 5, hours at the following pools will be extended: The Clinton G. Martin Park Pool, the Manorhaven Beach Park Pool on Manorhaven Boulevard in Port Washington and Harbor Hills Pool on Shore Cliff Place and Parkwood Drive in Harbor Hills will have extended hours from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Whitney Pond Park, located at Northern Boulevard and Community Drive in Manhasset, and the Martin “Bunky” Reid Park Pool on Broadway Avenue and Urban Avenue in Westbury will stay open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Spray pads will be open until 9 p.m. from July 1-5 at the following locations:
- Blumenfeld Family Park, Main Street, Port Washington
- Charles J. Fuschillo Park, Broadmoor Lane and Carle Road, Westbury
- Mary Jane Davies Green, Plandome Road, Manhasset
- Donald Street Park, Donald Street and Laurel Street, Roslyn Heights
North Hempstead Beach Park, located at 175 W. Shore Road in Port Washington, will be staffed with lifeguards until 8 p.m. over the next five days so residents can continue to swim and keep cool.
“While we’re all excited for the summer season, it often comes with a handful of dangerous days,” said North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena. “Whether you beat the heat by visiting a local cooling center, hopping into one of our fantastic town pools, or swimming in Hempstead Harbor, North Hempstead will always offer opportunities for our neighbors to stay healthy and hydrated.”
The Town of Oyster Bay announced that all town pools, as well as the TOBAY Beach Spray Park, will remain open for extra hours on through July 3, giving residents the opportunity to beat the heat. All five town pools, including Bethpage Community Park, Marjorie Post Community Park, Plainview-Old Bethpage Community Park, Syosset-Woodbury Community Park, and Tappen Beach in Glenwood Landing, will stay open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and the spray park will remain open until 6 p.m. through July 3.
The town’s designated cooling centers, including the Town Ice Skating Center at 1001 Stewart Avenue in Bethpage, and the Town Athletic Center at 167 S. Broadway in Hicksville, will also remain open until 11 p.m. for any residents looking to escape the heat and come in to cool off.
“As temperatures increase throughout the day, a combination of heat and humidity has the potential to become overwhelming, especially out in the direct sun,” Supervisor Joseph Saladino stated. “For our residents and their families looking for a fun way to beat the heat, we invite them to visit any of our pools, which will stay open late during the heatwave, or head out to TOBAY Beach and enjoy the spray park for extended hours as well. Residents are also always welcome to stop by one of our designated cooling centers, available for those who may need a temporary location to cool off.”
The Town of Babylon will be keeping all town pools open until 8 p.m. this week. Daily admission is $5. Those who wish to purchase a pool pass may do so at the Phelps Lane Mansion from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 1-2 (closed on July 3 in observance of Independence Day).
Town beaches will be open from dawn to dusk, with lifeguards on duty until 7 PM Thursday through Sunday. Season beach permits can be purchased at The Mansion during office hours or at Overlook Beach daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Labor Day.
Cooling centers are available at the Town Hall Annex, located at 281 Phelps Lane in North Babylon and at all public libraries in Amityville, Babylon, Copiague, Deer Park, Lindenhurst, North Babylon, West Babylon and Wyandanch.
Starting on July 2, the Town of Hempstead will open cooling centers at the Elmont, Levittown and Wantagh Senior Centers from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. through July 3. In addition, town beaches will remain open until 7 p.m. and Town pools until 8 p.m. from July 2 to July 4.
“As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary of independence and prepare for the Fourth of July weekend, we also need to prepare for what is expected to be an extremely dangerous stretch of summer weather,” said Town Supervisor John Ferretti. “By opening cooling centers and extending hours at our beaches and pools, we’re ensuring residents have safe, accessible places to stay cool while enjoying everything the Town of Hempstead has to offer.”
In the Town of Smithtown, the Smithtown Senior Center, located at: 420 Middle Country Road in Smithtown, will operate as a cooling center during the heat watch, providing residents with a safe, air-conditioned space to escape the extreme temperatures. In addition, Smithtown Splash Parks will extend their hours and open at 11 a.m. for the duration of the heat watch, and the pool at Landing Country Club will remain open until 7 p.m. to give residents additional opportunities to cool off safely.
Seniors who may need access to a cooling location after regular business hours can make arrangements in advance by contacting Smithtown Public Safety at (631) 360-7553.
The town of East Hampton has offered the following statement: “The Town is making residents aware of cooling centers throughout the community. We are also extending our lifeguarded beach hours at ocean beaches until 6 p.m. Should there be further need on Saturday, we are prepared to open an additional cooling center at the Town’s senior center. We have also begun reaching out to seniors who frequent our center to ensure they have all they need for these extreme temperatures. “
Due to the extreme heat, the Town of Brookhaven has adjusted its times for garbage collection to 5 a.m. on July 2-3 to protect the health and safety of its sanitation workers. Residents are strongly encouraged to place household refuse at the curb earlier than usual to ensure timely pickup prior to the onset of hazardous midday temperatures. The town emphasizes that early preparation by homeowners will support uninterrupted service and safeguard sanitation crews working under elevated heat conditions.
Town officials will continue to monitor weather developments and advise residents of any additional adjustments to municipal services as needed.
In addition, Brookhaven Town is extending operating hours at select recreation centers and extending lifeguard coverage at town beaches and pools on July 2-3. The following recreation centers will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.:
- Rose Caracappa Recreation Center, 739 Route 25A, Mount Sinai
- Mastic Recreation Center, 15 Herkimer Street, Mastic
- Henrietta Acampora Recreation Center, 39 Montauk Highway, Blue Point
- New Village Recreation Center, 20 Wireless Road, Centereach
The Holtsville Pool, located at 249 Buckley Road in Holtsville, and Centereach Pool, located at 286 Hawkins Road in Centereach, will be open from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The following town beaches are open daily from sunrise to sunset. On July 2 and July 3, lifeguards will be on duty from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.:
- Corey Beach, 1 Corey Avenue, Blue Point
- West Meadow Beach, 100 Trustees Road, Stony Brook
- Cedar Beach, 244 Harbor Beach Road, Mount Sinai
- Cedar Beach West, 244 Harbor Beach Road, Mount Sinai (western side)
The Town of Riverhead will open its senior center, located at 60 Shade Tree Lane, as a cooling center on July 2-3 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents looking to escape the heat are encouraged to utilize this cooling center.
Additionally, all Recreation Department programs and facility rentals are canceled from 10:30 a.m. on July 2 through July 3. Summer Camp will be moved entirely indoors.
Town beaches, including South Jamesport, Iron Pier, Wading River and Reeves Beach, are now open daily with beach attendants and lifeguards onsite from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Public restrooms at these beach locations will remain open until 9 p.m. through July 3. Thereafter, restroom access will resume normal hours from 11 a.m.to 6 p.m.
Anyone who is in need of assistance due to the heat can call the Riverhead Police Department at (631) 727-4500.
Local officials have also offered these tips to stay safe and cool as temperatures rise throughout the weekend:
- Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
- When possible, increase time spent in air-conditioning.
- Take regular breaks when working or playing outdoors and avoid strenuous activity
- during the hottest part of the day (between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
- Plan ahead for heat waves or when indoor temperatures pose a risk of heat-related illness, especially if you are an older adult or family caregiver.
- Be sure to look after elderly neighbors or family members. Make sure they are not alone, keep their sleeping area well-ventilated and prevent them from falling asleep in a hot room.
- Make sure that you can open your windows and/or that your air conditioner is working properly.
- Wear clothing that is light-colored, lightweight, loose and absorbent.
- Eat fruits and vegetables to replace nutrients.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat when going outdoors.
- Take cool baths and shower once or twice a day.
- Limit caffeine, alcoholic drinks, and sugary food and drinks.
- Check the daily heat index to alert you to the risk of heat-related illness.
- Do not leave dogs or other pets in cars.
- If you feel you are suffering from heat stroke, call 911 immediately and wrap ice packs in cloth and place on your neck, wrists, ankles and armpits.
- Be sure to recognize the symptoms of heat stroke: hot, dry, red skin; rapid pulse; high body temperature (above 105°), loss of alertness, confusion, unconsciousness and/or rapid and shallow breathing.
- If you experience a power outage, call LIPA at 1-800-490-0075.
- For energy conservation tips, visit www.lipower.org.