Politics & Government

Heat Wave Hits Syosset

Town, LIPA, water authority deal with the hot weather.

As the heat index peaks above 100 Friday, the town and other local groups are mobilizing to respond to the severe weather.

The National Weather Service is predicting a heat index of about 104 today, a reflection of the combination of humidity and temperatures expected to hit 96.

An air quality alert is in effect again today from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. with both ozone and fine particles in the air an issue. Children or people with respiratory problems are advised to keep out of the heat.

Find out what's happening in Syossetwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Town Summer Recreation Program

The town-wide summer recreation program canceled the Thursday afternoon and Friday afternoon sessions, but camp was held Friday morning.

Find out what's happening in Syossetwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Diane Ramos, director of the TOBAY program, said counselors are given special instructions during heat waves like this.

"They are told to do limited activities with the children such as arts and crafts, cards and board games," she said, adding that there are some parks with more shade than others. "But we do our best to ensure the children have a fun time in a safe environment at all parks."

Attendance has been lower during the afternoon sessions this week, and no staff or campers have suffered any heat-related illnesses.

"We make sure the staff and the children keep themselves well hydrated," Ramos said.

TOBAY Opens Cooling Center

TOBAY has opened a cooling center at the William P. Bennett Hicksville Community Center (29 W. Carl St., Hicksville, 516-797-7900). It is open Friday and Saturday. from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Residents can call the Department of Public Safety at 516-677-5350 for more information.

LIPA Adds Extra Crews, Advises Customers to Conserve

High temperatures and high electric demand can sometimes cause scattered heat-related outages. LIPA said in a statement they will have extra crews available to address those heat-related outages in a quick and safe manner..

To use energy efficiently during periods of high heat and humidity, LIPA said customers should:

  • Put air conditioners on timers, don't let them run when not at home;
  • Set air conditioners at 78 degrees;
  • Use fans to circulate cool air, which helps cut air conditioner use;
  • Set refrigerators and freezers at most efficient temperatures; and
  • Run major appliances such as clothes and dishwashers in the morning or late evening to avoid the peak demand hours of 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Customers who experience an outage should call 1-800- 490-0075 or can visit LIPA’s Storm Center online at http://www.lipower.org/stormcenter.

Long Island Water Conference Issues Warning

LIWC issued a water conservation notice Friday, calling on residents to voluntarily reduce water usage and observe their municipality’s odd/even water restrictions. With the hot weather unlikely to end for the next 72 hours, drinking water suppliers can begin seeing lower water pressures and lower reserves for fire-fighting protection.

The LIWC is asking residents throughout Long Island to change the times that their irrigation systems run from midnight through 6 a.m. to later in the day after 4 p.m. "to alleviate any future water concerns."

“We are encouraging residents to water on alternate days and reduce water usage to help avoid any problem that could hinder the Long Island’s drinking water providers’ ability to supply water for fire protection and other essential services,” said LIWC Chairman Karl Schweitzer.  “Though the demand for water throughout Long Island will continue to rise, our members will do everything possible to meet the needs of our residents.”


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