Mangano Announces Cooling Centers Open In Nassau County Today

Temperatures Expected to Hit 99 Degrees Today

In an effort to help Nassau County residents cope with extremely high temperatures and humidity, Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano has announced that cooling centers will be open today, June 9, 2011 in collaboration with the Village of Rockville Centre, Town of Oyster Bay and Town of North Hempstead. The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Long Island, with temperatures expected to hit 99 degrees.

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

Cooling centers that will be open today are:

Rockville Centre

The Rockville Centre Recreation Center

111 Oceanside Road, Rockville Centre

Expected Hours of Operation: 10am – 6pm

The Leonard S. Sandel Senior Center

50 South Park Avenue, Rockville Centre, New York

Town of Oyster Bay

Hicksville Community Center

28 West Carl Street, Hicksville, NY

Town of North Hempstead

Expected Hours of Operation: 11am-10pm

Clinton G. Martin Park

Marcus Avenue & New Hyde Park Rd., New Hyde Park

Michael J. Tully Park

1801 Evergreen Avenue, New Hyde Park

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.

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