Cooling Centers Open Across New York City — Locations & Hours

During the current extreme heat wave, New York City has opened many hundreds of “cooling stations”, many of which are free air-conditioned places to escape the heat. The cooling centers have been established in support of the city’s emergency heating response (usually inside of public facilities such as libraries, community centers and senior centers) and will be available throughout the duration of the heat wave.

Where You Can Find Cooling Centers

There are many cooling centers available throughout all five boroughs. Cooling centers can be found at:

Public Libraries (for example, any of the New York City Public Library locations in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island).

• Community and Recreation Centers.
• Senior Centers and Public Housing Facilities.
• Some Nonprofit-Run Facilities.

All of these cooling centers are free and available to the public, especially to people who do not have access to an air-conditioned space.

Example Locations & Hours (Heatwave Openings)

Hours vary by location; here are some examples from the most recent openings.

• Harlem Temple Community Center – 8:30 am-6:00 pm.
• Manhattan Citadel Center – 9:00 am-4:00 pm.
• Brooklyn Brownsville Center – 8:00 am-6:00 pm.
• Astoria Community Center – 9:00 am-5:00 pm.
• Staten Island (Port Richmond) 10:00 am-2:00 pm.

How Hours Work (What to Expect)

• Cooling centers are generally open during the day (morning to early evening).
• Some cooling centers are closed on weekends or holidays.
• The typical hours of operation for cooling centers will vary according to the type of facility (e.g., libraries tend to have different hours from those of community centers).
• Each facility activates when there is a declared heat emergency.

Because of these variations, it is strongly recommended to confirm the live map or contact 311 before visiting a cooling center.

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Why These Centers Matter

Cooling centers are not simply a convenience; they are an important component of the public health system and provide:

• Free air conditioning
• Drinking water and seating
• A safe place to stay during extreme heat

Cooling centers are especially important for the elderly, low-income families, and those who do not have air conditioning, and help to mitigate the risk of suffering from heat-related illness.

Final Words

New York City’s cooling centers are a critical lifeline for people suffering through extreme heat; however, knowing where and when the centers are open is essential to gain access to such centers. Remember to validate information using the live map, confirm the hours or plan on when to visit cooling centers.

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