For Immediate Release

July 19, 2011

Clarkstown Opens Cooling Centers

 

In conjunction with the Clarkstown Police Department’s Emergency Management Coordinator, Supervisor Alex Gromack has announced that the Town of Clarkstown has opened cooling centers for residents to go and cool down in the extremely hot weather.  The following cooling centers will be open today, July 19^th through the weekend.

 

The designated cooling centers and hours of operation are as follows.  Residents using the facilities as cooling centers should advise facility staff of their presence for the use of the cooling center.

 

Central Nyack:

Central Nyack Community Center

58 Waldron Avenue, Central Nyack

845-358-2500

Hours of Operations M-F 8 am to 10 pm

Saturday 11 am to 6 pm

Sunday Closed

 

Congers:

Congers Community Center

6 Gilchrest Road, Congers

845-268-9700

Hours of Operations M-F 8 am to 10 pm

Saturday 11 am to 6 pm

Sunday 11 am to 6 pm

 

Nanuet:

Pascack Community Center

87 New Clarkstown Road, Nanuet

845-371-6650

Hours of Operations M-F 8 am to 10 pm

Saturday 11 am to 6 pm

Sunday Closed

 

New City:

Street Community Center

31 Zukor Road, New City

845-634-3039

Hours of Operations M-F 8 am to 10 pm

Saturday 9 am to 5 pm

Sunday Closed

 

In addition the following town pools are open to residents at normal fees and hours.

 

Germonds Park, Germonds Road, West Nyack

Congers Lake Memorial Park, 6 Gilchrest Road, Congers

Lake Nanuet Park, Lake Nanuet Drive, Nanuet

Residents are encouraged to make a special effort to check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone, especially seniors, young children and people with special needs.

The following are tips and terms to know during excessive heat.

 

Know the Terms

 

HEAT ADVISORY: Issued by the National Weather Service when the heat index is expected to reach at least 100°F but less than 105°F, for less then three hours per day, or when nighttime lows are expected to remain above 80°F.

 

EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH: Issued by the National Weather Service, 24-48 hours in advance, when it is possible the heat index will reach 105°F for at least three hours for at least two consecutive days, or when there is a predicted heat index of 115°F.

 

EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING: Issued by the National Weather Service 24 hours in advance of a possible 105°F heat index for at least three hours for at least two consecutive days, or when there is a predicted heat index of 115°F.

 

HEAT WAVE: A period of abnormally and uncomfortable hot and unusually humid weather. Typically a heat wave lasts two or more days.

 

HEAT INDEX: The Heat Indx (HI) or the “Apparent Temperature” is an accurate measure of how hot it really feels when the Relative Humidity (RH) is adde to the actual air temperature.

 

OZONE HEALTH ADVISORY: Issued when ozone levels in outdoor air are predicted to be greater than 0.08 parts per million when averaged over an eight-hour period.

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Health Hazards

 

Sunburn: Skin redness and pain, possible swelling, blisters, fever, headaches. Take a shower using soap to remove oils that may block pores, preventing the body from cooling naturally. Apply dry, sterile dressings to any blisters, and get medical attention.

 

Heat Cramps: Painful spasms, usually in leg and abdominal muscles; heavy sweating. Get the victim to a cooler location. Lightly stretch and gently massage affected muscles to relieve spasms. Give sips of up to a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. (Do not give liquids with caffeine or alcohol.) Discontinue liquids, if victim is nauseated.

 

Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating but skin may be cool, pale, or flushed. Weak pulse. Normal body temperature is possible, but temperature will likely rise. Fainting or dizziness, nausea, vomiting, exhaustion, and headaches are possible. Get victim to lie down in a cool place. Loosen or remove clothing. Apply cool, wet clothes, Fan or move victim to air-conditioned place. Give sips of water if victim is conscious. Be sure water is consumed slowly. Give half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Discontinue water if victim is nauseated. Seek immediate medical attention if vomiting occurs.

 

Heat Stroke ( a severe medical emergency): High body temperature (105+); hot, red, dry skin; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid shallow breathing. Victim will probably not sweat unless victim was sweating from recent strenuous activity, Possible unconsciousness. Call 9-1-1 or emergency medical services, or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal. Move victim to a cooler environment. Removing clothing, Try a cool bath, sponging, or wet sheet to reduce body temperature. Watch for breathing problems. Use extreme caution. Use fans and air conditioners.

 

 

Protective Safety Measures

 

• 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.
• Make a special effort to check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone, especially seniors, young children and people with special needs.
• Be aware of your pets needs for water and shade.
• Be prepared for a possible power outage.
• Listen to local weather forecasts.
• Should you have an emergency contact 911 immediately.

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