Where to be cool in Nassau County as Long Island heats up

Temperatures are expected to rise across the tri-statemetropolitan area in the coming days, with Long Island temperatures projected to reach the high 80s and 90s, coupled with high humidity. Hot weather such as this can pose serious health threats, and Nassau County is taking measures to help keep the public as safe and comfortable as possible.

County Executive Bruce Blakeman said at a news conference on Monday that cooling centers across the county will be open during the upcoming “hazy, hot, and humid” weather this week that will last for about up to five days. The centers will be open starting on Wednesday, June 19..

The Mitchel Field administration building, at 1 Charles Lindbergh Blvd. in Uniondale, will be open 24 hours a day.

Nickerson Beach and its pools at 880 Lido Blvd. in Lido Beach in Lido Beach are open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of this week will remain open until 8 p.m. for an extra hour of cooling time.

The Cantiague Park administration office in Hicksville at 480 W John Street will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Wantagh administration building 1 King Road in Wantagh will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The swimming pool at Wantagh Park will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

County pools at North Woodmere Park at 75O Hungry Harbor Road in Valley Stream and Cantiague Park will be open by June 24. They could be open sooner, according to Blakeman, depending on if the staff of predominantly college students can return in time.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness, which can lead to permanent disability or death if not treated. Due to the dangers high temperatures can lead to, Blakeman provided an extensive list of “common sense measures” people can take to protect themselves in the extreme heat.

Try to avoid being outdoors during the hottest hours of the day, which are currently 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. People who enjoy exercising outdoors should temporarily alter their exercise schedule to work out in the early mornings or during sundown.

Be sure to drink plenty of fluids, wear clothing that is lightweight, and apply sunscreen on a “regular basis,” which is roughly every two hours.

Blakeman also said to pay attention to how your body feels. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, contact a medical professional, and if you are really in distress, call 911.

Keep an eye on your neighbors, check in on any elderly people who may lack adequate cooling facilities, and be diligent about keeping any pets indoors and safely hydrated, he added.

“If everybody takes these common sense measures, then I believe that everybody will be healthy and safe throughout this process,” Blakeman said.