91 at 9:30 a.m.? A Syosset Scorcher

Officially the National Weather Service heat advisory began in Syosset at 11 a.m. But don't tell that to folks who went past the Syosset Fire Department Tuesday morning on their way back to work after the Fourth of July holiday. 

Just before 9:30 a.m. the temperature at the fire department registered 91 degrees. 

In Syosset the anticipated high was 99 Tuesday with the heat index topping out at 102 by Tuesday afternoon.

But at 12:58 p.m. it was already 100 degrees, according to the thermometer at Astoria Federal Savings. 

Man-on-the-street interviews were hard to come by because, understandably, nobody wanted to stay on the street. One woman said she had to get to her car, although she then noted to her friend that "it was going to be 1,000 degrees in there."

Sandy's Shoe Repair employee Luis Sandoval was lowering the awnings at his store and Fred's Barber Shop. Sandoval said that foot traffic has already been down due to the economy, and days like Tuesday don't help.

"Who wants to be out here in this heat?" said Fred's Barber Shop employee Effie Aranov, who then put it this way to the reporter: "You have to make money. Would you be out here if this weren't your job?" 

A heat advisory is issued when the heat index is expected to reach between 100 and 104 for at least two consecutive hours. The advisory is in effect until 7 p.m. 

The American Red Cross has a list of things to do while in the midst of being pummeled by the heat:

• Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio for critical updates from the National Weather Service (NWS).
• Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
• Eat small meals and eat more often.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun's rays.
• Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
• Postpone outdoor games and activities.
• Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.
• Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
• Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.

The Syosset-Woodbury Community Park pool is open until 9 p.m. Tuesday as one way to beat the heat. 

The Town of Oyster Bay has several cooling centers open Tuesday. The closest for Syosset residents is the Hicksville Community Center at 28 W. Carl St. The cooling centers will be open until 9 p.m.