Heat Wave: Smithtown Offers Ways For Residents To Stay Cool

TOWN OF SMITHTOWN, NY — The Town of Smithtown has opened up options to help its residents beat the heat now through Wednesday, as temperatures are expected to climb into the mid-90s.

Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day, the Smithtown Senior Center will operate as a designated cooling center. Supervisor Ed Wehrheim, in coordination with the Smithtown Department of Public Safety and key support staff, made special arrangements to open the facility to residents in need of relief from the heat. Residents who would like to use the cooling center are encouraged to call 631-360-7553 to make arrangements.

Additionally, Smithtown beaches will have lifeguards on duty until 6 p.m., the pool at Landing Country Club will be open until 8 p.m., and splash parks will extend their hours from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the heat advisory.

All residents were advised by the town to take extra precautions for themselves, elderly family members, children, and pets for the duration of the heat watch.

"With extreme heat and humidity on the way, we’re once again taking proactive steps to safeguard our residents — particularly seniors without air conditioning and families with young children," Wehrheim stated. "Our Public Safety team has designated the Senior Center as a climate relief site, and we’ve extended hours at our beaches, pools, and splash pads to give residents more opportunities to beat the heat."

Wehrheim thanked Smithtown Public Safety Chief Thomas J. Lohmann, Senior Center Director Doreen Perrino, Recreation Superintendent Brandon Modrov, Parks Director Joe Arico, and their "incredible teams for their swift action and commitment to keeping our community safe and comfortable."

Seniors can make arrangements ahead of time by contacting the Smithtown Department of Public Safety on Monday at 631-360-7553. Residents are asked to check on elderly neighbors and pass along this information.

The max heat indices is 95 to 100 degrees Monday. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the max heat indices 95 to 104 degrees, highest away from the coastline.

A heat advisory is issued when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 95 to 99 degrees for two or more consecutive days, or 100 to 104 degrees for any length of time.

Seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at an increased risk, according to the Town of Smithtown. Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures.

"Use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning," the town wrote. "Check on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! In cases of heat stroke call 911."

Public Safety: 631-360-7553. Smithtown Public Safety operates seven days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Animals and family pets: Do not walk dogs on hot concrete or asphalt. Limit exercise to early morning or evening hours. Always carry water to keep your dog from dehydrating. To report animals in distress, strays or other loose domestic or wild animals, you may call 631-360-7575.

Elderly neighbors and special needs individuals: Please check on your neighbors with disabilities, special needs and senior citizens. Make sure they have an emergency phone, plenty of water, food and air conditioning. Ask if they have someone to call in the event of an emergency.

Power outages: PSEG information: To view PSEG Long Island’s outage map, click here.

To report and receive status updates on an outage, text OUT to PSEGLI (773454) or to report an outage online, visit the PSEG website.

To register have your account number available and text REG to PSEGLI (773454).

Downed wires should always be considered "live." Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything contacting the wire. To report a downed wire call PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour Electric Service number: 1-800-490-0075.