Hot! Hot! Hot! Cooling Stations Open to Help Beat the Heat

Having trouble keeping cool at home in this heat wave? Clarkstown is reaching out to residents who need help during this extreme weather by opening "cooling centers" throughout the town, including New City.

In conjunction with the Clarkstown Police Department's Emergency Management coordinator, town Supervisor Alex Gromack said Tuesday that cooling centers for residents to go and cool down will be open through Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Here are the colling center locations: 

Central Nyack Community Center, 58 Waldron Ave.

Congers Community Center, 6 Gilchrest Road

Pascack Community Center, 87 New Clarkstown Road

Street Community Center, 31 Zukor Road, New City

Clarkstown Police Chief Peter Noonan said the town did not have any difficulty opening the cooling centers. He noted that during Tuesday's oppressive heat the town experienced some minor blackouts, but nothing significant.

During the extreme heat, Noonan said town police officers have been assigned to pay particular attention to senior citizen housing areas in case of heat-related emergencies or black outs.

United Water Co., which supplies water to much of Clarkstown, Tuesday asked customers to conserve water. However, Noonan said there were no reported problems with water service in the town.

The following are some protective safety measures to use during extreme heat:

• Slow down. Strenuous activities should be reduced or eliminated.
• Dress for summer.
• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
• Drink plenty of water or other non-alcohol fluids.
• East well balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• Spend more time in air-conditioned places.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages.
• Conserve energy, during periods of extreme heat, electricity use rises.
• Be aware of your pets needs for water and shade.
• Should you have an emergency contact 911 immediately.

Availability of the cooling centers may be extended if the need arises, Gromack said  For more information call the Clarkstown Supervisor's office at 845-639-2050.