SMITHTOWN, NY — Smithtown is opening a cooling center and extending hours at town pools and splash parks as a heat advisory remains in effect through Saturday evening.
The National Weather Service heat advisory for Nassau and Suffolk counties is in effect until 8 p.m. Saturday with heat index values expected to reach around 100 degrees, town officials said.
The Smithtown Senior Center will operate as a cooling center through Saturday, providing an air-conditioned location for residents seeking relief from the heat.
Smithtown splash parks will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., while the pool at Smithtown Landing Country Club will remain open until 7 p.m. throughout the advisory.
"As dangerously high temperatures and humidity continue across our region, our highest priority is making sure every resident has a safe place to find relief from the heat," Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim said. "Prolonged extreme weather can quickly become dangerous, particularly for older adults, young children and anyone without reliable air conditioning."
The town did not specify Saturday hours for the cooling center in its announcement. Anyone who may need access to a cooling location after regular business hours should make arrangements in advance by calling Smithtown Public Safety at 631-360-7553. Public Safety operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Wehrheim encouraged residents to check on elderly neighbors, friends and relatives throughout the weekend.
Officials said older adults, young children, people with underlying health conditions and those without reliable air conditioning are particularly vulnerable during prolonged periods of extreme heat.
Residents are encouraged to stay in air-conditioned locations when possible, drink plenty of water and regularly check on vulnerable family members and neighbors. Anyone working outdoors should take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool, shaded location. Heat stroke is a medical emergency, and residents should call 911.
Pet owners are also urged to avoid walking dogs on hot concrete or asphalt, limit exercise to the early morning or evening and carry water. Animals in distress can be reported to the town at 631-360-7575.
Residents can find the latest weather information at weather.gov.
Power outages can be reported to PSEG Long Island by texting OUT to 773454 or calling 1-800-490-0075. Residents should stay away from downed wires and treat all downed lines as live.
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