City Opens Fire Hydrants And Cooling Center To Help Beat The Heat

MOUNT VERNON, NY — Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard said the city is taking steps to help the community stay safe and keep cool during the dangerously high temps.

According to the National Weather Service, oppressive heat and humidity will build in the area through Saturday. Heat advisories are in effect for Thursday.

The City of Mount Vernon is turning the sky-high heat indices into an excuse to come together and let the good times roll.

"The City of Mount Vernon is stepping up to 'Beat the Heat' with essential services to keep you cool," Patterson-Howard said in an announcement. "The Doles Center will be activated as a cooling center today and tomorrow with indoor activities such as movies and bingo and our hydrants will be open ... for your cooling pleasure. Stay safe, Mount Vernon."

In all, the city will open ten fire hydrants from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. The Doles Center will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. as a cooling center. A complete list of the hydrants being opened can be found here.