Town Of Hempstead Cooling Centers Open Thursday And Friday, Pool Hours Extended

HEMPSTEAD, NY — As Long Island life goes on under an excessive heat watch, the Town of Hempstead announced a couple of initiatives to beat the heat Thursday and Friday.

Heat indexes are expected to rise well above the 100-degree markthis week, with a combination of heat and humidity raising the chances for heat-related illness to occur. Long Islanders have been advised to schedule outdoor activities in the morning or evening, when the heat is less extreme, and take extra precautions to stay cool whenever they have to go outside. Specifically, experts say proper hydration is crucial on hot days like these, with a combination of water and electrolyte drinks recommended to keep the body cool and avoid conditions like cramping, fatigue and heat stroke.

For Town of Hempstead residents, there will be cooling centers open at the Elmont, Levittown and Wantagh Senior Centers, from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. Pool and beach hours, the town said, have also been extended by an hour for Thursday, Friday and Saturday, giving Hempstead residents some extra places to go on the hot holiday weekend.