Cooling Centers and Health Tips for the Heat Wave

The city’s Office of Emergency Management is warning that those who could be at risk for heat illness should take extra precautions this week as temperatures are expected to hover in the mid-90s through Friday.

Forest Hills has a number of cooling centers, including:

Forest Hills Library – 108-19 71st Ave.

North Forest Park Library – 98-27 Metropolitan Ave.

Queens Community House – 108-25 62nd Drive

Self Help Austin Street Neighborhood Senior Center – 106-06 Queens Blvd.

Young Israel Inc./Forest Hills Neighborhood Senior Center – 71-00 Yellowstone Blvd.

Those at risk for getting heat illness include residents who are 65 years or older, those who do not have air conditioning, people who take medications that disrupt body temperature regulation, those with chronic medical conditions or overweight people.

Some signs of heat stress include nausea or vomiting, rapid heartbeat, trouble breathing, hot dry skin or cold clammy skin and confusion or dizziness.

Additional health tips from OEM during the heat wave include staying out the sun, cooling down with a shower, eating small but frequent meals, avoiding strenuous activity, drinking cool fluids even when you are not thirsty, covering your skin with sunscreen and never leaving any pets or children in the car.