When the heat index is predicted to be dangerously high, New York City opens cooling centers in air-conditioned public community centers, senior centers, and public libraries to offer people relief from the heat. Individuals who have no ready access to a cool environment, and particularly those at risk for heat-related illness, should use the cooling centers during a heat wave.

Call 311 (TTY: 212-504-4115) during a heat emergency to find the location of a cooling center or pool, or use our online finder to choose a cooling center near you.

In June 2008, New York City opened cooling centers to provide New Yorkers relief from an extreme heat wave. The NYC Department for the Aging supplied facilities and staff to carry out the emergency response.
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