regional cooling center Resources
Community Cooling Centers
Stay safe during periods of extreme heat by finding an official cooling center in your county. Cooling centers may be activated during National Weather Service Heat Advisories or Extreme Heat Warnings. Please call ahead before visiting, as hours and availability may change. Some centers also serve as clean air centers during unhealthy air quality days -call to confirm.
Use the NY State Department of Health Cooling Center Finder at health.ny.gov to get driving/walking directions and public transit information.
Dutchess County Dutchess County does not operate permanent county cooling centers. During extreme heat, numerous public libraries serve as designated cooling centers, including the Adriance Memorial Library (Poughkeepsie), Beekman Library, Blodgett Memorial Library (Fishkill), East Fishkill Community Library, Grinnell Library (Wappingers Falls), Howland Public Library (Beacon), Hyde Park Free Library, LaGrange Association Library, Millbrook Library, Morton Memorial Library (Rhinecliff), NorthEast Millerton Library, Pawling Free Library, Pleasant Valley Library, Red Hook Public Library, Starr Library (Rhinebeck), Stanford Free Library, Tivoli Free Library, and others. Additional municipal cooling locations may also be available. Residents should contact their municipality or library before visiting.
Orange County Orange County activates designated cooling centers during extreme heat emergencies. Locations are coordinated with municipalities throughout the county and are announced when the National Weather Service issues prolonged heat advisories. Residents should consult the County Emergency Management Office or local municipality for activated locations and hours.
Putnam County During declared heat emergencies, Putnam County activates cooling centers in partnership with municipalities, libraries, and senior centers. The County Executive announces activations during States of Emergency, and residents are encouraged to monitor county announcements for current locations and hours.
Rockland County Rockland County maintains a countywide list of cooling centers that includes public libraries, community centers, municipal buildings, and senior centers. Locations are activated during excessive heat events, and hours may vary by municipality.
Sullivan County Sullivan County utilizes public libraries, government buildings, and municipal facilities as cooling centers during extreme heat events. Local municipalities may establish additional cooling locations as needed.
Ulster County Ulster County Emergency Services activates county cooling centers when temperatures are forecast to reach 90°F or higher for three consecutive days. Primary county-operated locations include 2nda Iglesia La Mision Church (80 Elmendorf Street, Kingston) and the Trudy Center (50 Center Street, Ellenville). Additional municipal cooling centers frequently include Kingston Library, Gardiner Library, Milton Library, Elting Memorial Library, Family of New Paltz, Rosendale Library, Stone Ridge Library, Wallkill Public Library, Woodstock Community Center, Woodstock Town Hall, Family of Woodstock, Woodstock Public Library, and the Saugerties Police Department. Activation dates and hours vary with each heat event.
Westchester County Westchester County relies primarily on municipal cooling centers operated by cities, towns, villages, and public libraries. Locations include facilities such as the Ardsley Public Library and numerous municipal libraries and community centers throughout the county. Residents should check with their local municipality or the County Department of Emergency Services for activated locations during heat emergencies.
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