Heat Wave: Smithtown Opens Cooling Center, Extends Pool, Beach And Water Park Hours

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 90s.

On Monday, 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.

In addition, all township beaches and water parks will remain open until 8 p.m.

The Landing Country Club pool was originally scheduled to open to the public this weekend, though Wehrheim — with the "full support" of the Smithtown Town Council — made an executive decision to open the pool early and extend its hours until 8 p.m. Monday.

"It’s going to be a hot and humid few days," Wehrheim said in a news release. "We want to ensure the health and quality of life for everyone, especially our most vulnerable residents. It is with this in mind, that our Public Safety Department has made special arrangements to make sure our seniors have a cool place to come to. Additionally, families can take advantage of extra hours at the beach, pool and in our splash parks located all around town."

Wehrheim thanked Smithtown Public Safety Chief Thomas J. Lohmann, Senior Center Director Doreen Perrino, Parks Director Joe Arico, Recreation Director Brandon Brandon Modrov and the support staff from the various departments.

The officials "dropped everything to ensure this dog day of summer is cool and comfortable" for all Smithtown residents.

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.

Heat index values up to 103 are expected during the heat wave.

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.