YONKERS MAYOR MIKE SPANO ANNOUNCES COOLING CENTERS AS EXTREME HEAT HITS THE CITY

YONKERS, NY – August 28, 2018 Mayor Mike Spano announced today the City of Yonkers will designate several locations throughout the city as Cooling Centers as temperatures will reach 95+ degrees, combined with high levels of humidity.

“As a city it is important that when heat waves hit our area, we make Cooling Centers available to all residents in need of a cool place to rest and stay hydrated,” said Mayor Spano. “I especially encourage our city’s older adults, residents with medical conditions and those working outside to please stay safe and utilize a Cooling Center located nearest to you if needed.”

Mayor Spano said each Cooling Center will be equipped with water, seating and air conditioning. The following locations will be open as Cooling Centers during specified hours for all residents:

Bernice Spreckman Community Center

777 McLean Avenue

12:30 PM to 4:00 PM

Scotti Community Center

680 Bronx River Road

11:30 AM to 3:30 PM 

Nodine Hill Community Center

140 Fillmore Street

12:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Nepperhan Community Center

342 Warburton Avenue

Until 3:00PM

North Yonkers Preservation

219 Ridge Avenue

Until 2:00PM

Yonkers Riverfront Library

One Larkin Center
Until 8:00PM

Grinton I. Will Library

1500 Central Park Avenue

Until 9:00PM

Crestwood Library

16 Thompson Street

Until 9:00PM

Chema Community Center

435 Riverdale Avenue

Until 4:30PM

To ensure safety, the Mayor is also raising awareness of heat safety precautions residents should take during periods of extreme heat:

·         If you have air conditioning already installed, make sure it works properly before the use.

·         Install window air conditioners snugly; insulate them if necessary. Check your home’s air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.

·         Install temporary window reflectors, such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, between windows and drapes to reflect heat back outside.

·         Install weather stripping on your home’s doors and windowsills to keep cool air in and hot air out.

·         Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers, which can reduce the heat entering a home by up to 80 percent.

·         Keep storm windows in place year-round.

·         If you don’t have air conditioning, open your windows during the coolest part of the day and keep fresh air moving around your home with circulating fans.

·         Drink plenty of cool non-alcoholic liquids, especially water.

·         Protect your face and head with a wide-brimmed hat, and wear light-colored clothing to reflect sunlight (dark clothing more readily absorbs sunlight).

·         Keep pets indoors and refill their water bowls frequently.

For more information on City Cooling Centers or for any additional assistance, please call the Mayor’s Help Line at 377-HELP.