Cooling Centers Open Again on Thursday

The summer solstice saw a spike in temperatures -- with elected officials scrambling to offer ways to offer residents relief from the blistering heat.

A heat advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service office in Upton until 8 p.m. Wednesday, with a combination of heat and humidity making it feel as though the temperature is between 100 and 104 degrees.

In Riverhead, Supervisor Sean Walter opened a cooling center at the town's senior center at 60 Shade Tree Lane in Aquebogue on Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. till 7:30 p.m.

Suffolk County has also opened its cooling centers from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday; one will be open at the Peconic building of the Suffolk County Community College East Campus, located at 121 Speonk-Riverhead Road in Northampton. 

In Southampton, residents can find respite at the Flanders Community Center, located at 755 Flanders Road, until 3:30 p.m., and the Hampton Bays Senior Center, until 8 p.m. The town also offers pick-up for residents in need. Residents can call the Hampton Bays Senior Center for the shuttle service at 631-728-1235.

In addition, Riverhead's recreation department is keeping town beaches, including Iron Pier, South Jamesport and Wading River until 7 p.m. on Thursday.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for Suffolk County and recommends individuals who may be effected limit outdoor physical activity.

"It’s imperative that residents take the necessary precautions during this heat wave by staying in air conditioning, limiting outdoor activity and drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated," Walter said.

The supervisor asked that residents check in on the elderly and infirm who might be at risk.

Recognizing the symptoms of heat stress is critical, Walter said, including hot, dry skin or cold and clammy skin, trouble breathing, a rapid heartbeat, confusion, disorientation, or dizziness and nausea or vomiting.

Heat, Walter said, can aggravate heart or lung disease; anyone exhibiting symptoms of heat stess should go to a cool place, hydrate -- or head to an emergency room.