How To Stay Cool In Town Of Huntington During Heat Wave

TOWN OF HUNTINGTON, NY — Summer is in full swing, as this week is bringing record-breaking heat to Long Island.

The heat index is expected to make it feel close to 100 degrees across the whole island, as a heat advisory is in effect through Tuesday afternoon, according to the National Weather Service. Here are a few ways to stay cool in the Town of Huntington:

• The Dix Hills Pool, which is only open to Town of Huntington residents due to coronavirus-related concerns. Residents need to reserve a time slot and wear a mask to gain entry, according to Town officials. The pool is at 575 Vanderbilt Parkway, Dix Hills. It's open Mondays through Fridays from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The pool is open to 150 people maximum in the pool area, with no more than 70 people in the water at any given time. Click here to make a reservation.
• Go to the beach. The Town of Huntington website has a full list of all open beaches, COVID-19 guidelines and information on beach parking permit availability. Beaches include Centerport Beach in Centerport; Crab Meadow Beach in Northport; Hobart Beach in Eaton's Neck; Quentin Sammis West Neck Beach in Lloyd Harbor; Fleets Cove Beach in Centerport; Gold Star Battalion Beach in Huntington; Asharoken Beach in Northport; and Crescent Beach in Huntington Bay.
• Indulge in some ice cream. Many small businesses are feeling the impacts of the coronavirus, so supporting a local ice creamery can help you stay cool while supporting a local merchant at the same time. Google "ice cream near me" for the best results of shops closest to you.
• Turn to indoor activities if you're feeling overwhelmed by the heat. Hang out with friends and family, play a game, watch television, etc.
• The Sgt. Paul Tuozzolo Memorial Spray Park at Elwood Park is currently closed due to the coronavirus, though the Town is scheduled to reopen it Friday. The park's usage will be by appointment only and at limited capacity.

In years past, residents could head to Town cooling centers such as the Senior Center and Dix Hills Ice Rink. However, the cooling spots have been closed due to COVID-19 concerns, the Town said.

People are advised to be careful when outdoors, drink fluids, stay in air-conditioning as much as possible and check on the elderly and pets; animals should not be left in vehicles, David Stark, meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said.

Excessive heat is the leading cause of preventable, weather-related deaths each year, particularly among the elderly. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat causes more than 600 preventable deaths in the United States yearly. To help New Yorkers stay safe during excessive heat, Gov. Andrew Cuomo offered tips:

The following people are most at risk:

• Elderly persons and small children are mostly affected
• Persons who are overweight/obese
• Persons on certain medications or drugs

Be prepared:

• Avoid strenuous activity and exercise, especially during the sun's peak hours of 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Exercise and activity should be done in the early morning between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.
• Drink plenty of water and non-caffeinated beverages.
• Stay out of the sun and try to cool off in an air conditioned building for a few hours during the hottest part of the day. The sun heats the inner core of your body, resulting in dehydration. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine, or go to a public building with air conditioning
• If you must go outdoors, wear sunscreen with a high sun protector factor rating (at least SPF 15) and a hat to protect your face and head. When outdoors, wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing. Cover as much skin as possible to avoid sunburn and over-warming effects of sunlight on your body.
• Do not leave children, pets or those who require special care in a parked car or vehicle during periods of intense summer heat. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach over 140 degrees Fahrenheit quickly. Exposure to such high temperatures can kill within a matter of minute.
• Make an effort to check on your neighbors during a heat wave, especially if they are elderly, have young children or have special needs. Make sure there is enough food and water for pets

Prolonged exposure to the heat can be harmful and potentially fatal. Call 911 if you or someone you know shows signs or symptoms of heat illness, including:

• Headache
• Light headed-ness
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting

For more information on how to stay safe during periods of excessive heat, click here.