Avoid Heat Stroke: Rockland Opens Cooling Centers

Think it’s been hot? Well, The National Weather Service says the rest of the week is going to be even hotter. 

Rockland County officials are encouraging residents to take steps to prevent harmful and potentially fatal heat related illness.

“Extreme heat can pose dangers, but there are many things we can do to reduce heat-related problems,” said Rockland County Health Commissioner Patricia Schnabel Ruppert. “While summertime heat can be dangerous for anyone, those most at risk from the heat include older adults, young children, and those with chronic medical conditions such as heart problems and breathing or lung problem.”

With temperatures hitting 96 degrees, the Rockland County Health Department says conditions like heat stroke can be avoided by taking the following tips:

• Never leave children, pets or those with special needs in a parked car, even briefly. Temperatures in the car can become dangerous within a few minutes.

• Use air-conditioning to cool down or go to an air-conditioned building or cooling center. 

• If you don't have air-conditioning, open windows and shades on the shady side and close them on the sunny side to try to cool it down.

• Fans should only be used when the air-conditioning is on or windows are open, and are best to use at night to bring in cooler air from outside.

• Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks. (If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot).

• Beat the heat with cool showers and baths.

• Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day (between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.) and take regular breaks from physical activity.

• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing to help keep cool.

• Wear sunscreen and a ventilated hat (e.g., straw or mesh) when in the sun and even if it is cloudy.

• Check on your neighbors such as the elderly or those in poor health to see if they need assistance.

Those County has set up the following cooling centers where residents can enjoy air conditioning and escape the scorching temperatures:

Town of Clarkstown

• Hours of Operation Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 10:00 pm
• Saturday 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
• Sunday Closed, use Congers Community Center    

• Hours of Operation Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 10:00 pm 
• Saturday & Sunday 11:00 am - 6:00 pm  

Pascack Community Center - 87 New Clarkstown Road, Nanuet (845) 371-6650

• Hours of Operation Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 10:00 pm
• Saturday 11:00 am - 6:00 pm
• Sunday Closed, use Congers Community Center

• Hours of Operation Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 10:00 pm
• Saturday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
• Sunday Closed, use Congers Community Center

Town of Ramapo 

Ramapo Town Hall - 237 Route 59, Suffern  (845) 357-5100

• Town Hall Hours of Operation Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm 

St. Lawrence Center - 115 Torne Valley Road, Hillburn (845) 753-2324

• Center Hours of Operation Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 10:00 pm
• Saturday & Sunday 9:00 am - 9:00 pm

Town of Haverstraw

Haverstraw Town Hall - 1 Rosman Road, Garnerville (845) 429-2200                                                        

• Town Hall Hours of Operation Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
• No Weekend locations

Town of Orangetown

Orangetown Town Hall - 26 Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg (845) 359-5100

• Town Hall Hours of Operation Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Orangetown Police Department                        

• 26 Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg (845) 359-3700
• Community Room – 24 hours/ 7 days

Town of Stony Point

Stony Point Town Hall - 74 East Main Street, Stony Point (845) 786-2716

• Town Hall Hours of Operation Monday – Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm 

Stony Point Community Center (RHO Bldg.) Patriot Hills Complex - 19 Clubhouse Lane, Stony Point (845) 947-5261

• Center Hours of Operation 9:00 am – 7:00 pm 7 days a week

• Hours of Operation  - 24 hours/ 7 days

Village of Nyack 

Nyack Village Hall - 9 N. Broadway, Nyack (845) 358-0548

• Village Hall Hours of Operation Monday - Friday 9:00 am- 5:00 pm

Nyack Senior Center - 90 Depew Avenue, Nyack            

• Senior Center Hours of Operation Monday - Friday 9:00 am- 3:00 pm

• Village Hall Hours of Operation Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm 

Village of Hillburn - 31 Mountain Avenue, Hillburn (845) 357-2036

• Village Hall Hours of Operation Monday – Friday 9:00 am- 5:00 pm

Village of Haverstraw

• Center Hours of Operation Monday - Friday 9:00 am- 7:00 pm

• Village Hall Hours of Operation Monday - Friday 9:00 am- 4:00 pm

Community Room - 61 Washington Avenue, Suffern (845) 357-2600  

• Village Hall Hours of Operation Monday - Friday 8:00 am- 4:00 pm
• Police Station also available           

Spring Valley Village Hall - 200 North Main Street, Spring Valley (845) 517-1128           

• Village Hall Hours of Operation Monday - Friday 8:30 am- 4:30 pm  

Kurtz Civic Center Board Room - 9 North Main Street, Spring Valley  (845) 352-1100           

• Center Hours of Operation 9:00 am- 7:00 pm 7 days a week