Cooling Centers
Call 911
Call 911 if you or someone you know has these symptoms of heat illness:
  • Heavy sweating
  • Muscle cramps
  • Light headedness, feeling faint
  • Headache
  • Decreased energy
  • Loss of appetite, nausea

When the heat index, which is an estimate of how it feels when air temperature and humidity are combined, is predicted to be dangerously high, New York City opens cooling centers in air-conditioned facilities to offer people relief from the heat.

Sites where cooling centers are located include:

  • Libraries
  • Community centers
  • Senior centers
  • NYCHA facilities

You should use a cooling center during a heat wave if you have no access to a cool environment, and particularly if you are at risk for heat-related illness.

Cooling center facilities are managed by New York City Agency partners, who determine each site's hours of operation and levels of accessibility. Rules and policies vary by location. Service animals are permitted at all sites.

All cooling centers will follow strict social distancing rules and provide face coverings.

For more information, contact a facility directly.

Heat illness occurs when the body cannot cool down. The most serious forms of heat illness are heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Serious signs of heat illness include:

  • Hot, dry skin OR cold, clammy skin
  • Confusion, hallucinations, disorientation
  • Unconsciousness or unresponsiveness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Trouble breathing
  • Rapid, strong pulse
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness

  • Use air conditioning or go to a cooling center or another cool place, like a store or mall
  • Set air conditioning at 78 degrees or low cool to stay comfortable and conserve energy
  • Drink plenty of water and other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated liquids, even if you are not thirsty
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes that cover as much skin as possible
  • Avoid sun and strenuous outdoor activity between 11 AM and 4 PM
  • Use shades or awnings
  • Wear sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher

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