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EASTCHESTER, N.Y. As temperatures continued to threaten the 100-degree mark Thursday, cooling centers in Eastchester and Tuckahoe opened up for any residents in need of a spot to beat the heat.
The centers are at the Tuckahoe Community Center and Lake Isle Country Club in Eastchester. The rooms are designed to give residents relief and protection from the stifling heat. Although the villages have these emergency centers prepared, both were vacant Thursday afternoon.
In the five or six years that we've been doing it, I dont think anyone has ever come for that reason, John DArco, the director of the community center said. The people who come would have been there whether it was 90 or 60 degrees.
Instead of using the cooling center at Lake Isle, residents in Eastchester chose to make the most of the clubs pool complex, as several hundred people of all ages camped out on the spacious grounds.
Jay Maxwell, assistant manager of the facility, said Thursday's crowd was one that would be more reflective of a steamy Saturday or Sunday. He estimated between 500-700 were at the pool Thursday.
Were fortunate to have a facility with five pools that caters to all age levels, he said. Basically, theyre able to refresh themselves and have some fun. Theyre staying active while staying cool.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures in Eastchester peaked at 97 degrees, with a heat index that topped 100 degrees. The National Weather Service put out an air quality alert that lasts until 11 p.m. It also is warning about hazardous weather that may be forming in the area.
Maxwell said when the weather is this severe, he and his staff get advice from local emergency management workers.
They just want to make sure that everyone is reminded to stay hydrated, he said. We have announcements made periodically reminding patrols to keep drinking water and hydrating.
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