YONKERS, N.Y. Residents facing hard times can give their Con Edison bill a break this summer by going to one of Yonkers designated Cooling Centers.
Mayor Mike Spano urges residents to take advantage of this arrangement during the latest heat wave hitting the region. These Cooling Centers will be made available to all residents need of a cool place to take a rest and stay hydrated, Spano said in a statement.
Each Cooling Center is equipped with water, seating and air conditioning. I especially encourage our citys older adults, residents with medical conditions and those working outside to please stay safe and utilize a Cooling Center, Spano said.
Cooling Centers span from Libraries to community centers throughout the city of Yonkers. The designated areas include:
Peter Chema Center, 435 Riverdale Ave., 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Charles Cola Community Center, 945 North Broadway, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Monday and Wednesday only)
Coyne Park Community Center, 777 Mclean Ave., 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Scotti Community Center, 680 Bronx River Road, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Tuesday only)
Nepperhan Community Center, 342 Warburton Ave., 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Yonkers Riverfront Library, 1 Larkin Center, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (regular hours)
Grinton I. Will Library, 1500 Central Park Ave., 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (regular hours)
Here are some additional tips to keep your home cool:
If you have air conditioning, make sure it works properly.
Install window air conditioners snugly; insulate them if necessary. Check your home's air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
Install temporary window reflectors, such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, between windows and drapes to reflect heat back outside.
Install weather stripping on your home's doors and windowsills to keep cool air in and hot air out.
Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers, which can reduce the heat entering a home by up to 80 percent.
Keep storm windows in place year-round.
If you don't have air conditioning, open your windows during the coolest part of the day and keep fresh air moving around your home with circulating fans.
Drink plenty of cool nonalcoholic liquids, especially water.
Protect your face and head with a wide-brimmed hat, and wear light-colored clothing to reflect sunlight. (Dark clothing more readily absorbs sunlight).
Keep pets indoors and refill their water bowls frequently.
For more information on City Cooling Centers or for any additional assistance, call the Mayors Help Line at 377-HELP.
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