Cooling Centers

Westchester County

To help residents cope with the soaring temperatures, The Westchester County Health Department offers a 24-hour *stay cool* information line, (914) 813-5620 which provides tips on how to stay cool in the heat and identifies cooling centers 

• Local Libraries, Movie theatres, museums (may need to pay admission), Malls

• Refer to their county or local Office for the Aging. Office for aging may try to arrange transportation.

•  Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing; drink lots of water and avoid hot foods, heavy meals and alcohol.
• Physical activity generates body heat, so slow down and take it easy as the temperature rises
• To avoid heat stress, try to spend as much time as you can in pleasant surroundings - a cool room in your home, an air-conditioned mall, a senior citizen center, the public library or a movie theater.
• Fans can also provide good indoor circulation, and cool baths or showers offer excellent relief from the heat.

•  Take pet to vet for summer check-up, check for parasites.
•  Never leave pet alone in vehicle, even with windows open.
•  Always carry a gallon of fresh water for pet when traveling.
•  Limit outdoor playtime to early morning, or evening.
•  Do not take pet out to play right after meal or in humid weather.
•  Don't let pet stand on hot asphalt. Keep walks to a minimum.
•  Wash salt off dogs after swimming in ocean.
•  Bring pets indoors to cool place during heat of the day.
•  Don't apply sunscreen or insect repellents unless labeled for animals.
•  Don't leave unscreened windows open that pets could jump or fall through.
•  Don't shave fur down to skin. Leave one inch for sun protection.
•  Keep dogs with heart or lung disease, or old or overweight dogs, inside.
•  Keep some breeds indoors, check with your veterinarian.
•  Keep matches, lighter fluid, citronella candles, insect coils out of reach.