New Yorkers seek relief from extreme heat in cooling centers

NEW YORK (PIX11) -- It has been a hot and humid weekend, and New Yorkers are doing everything they can to escape the heat. However, the extremely hot temperatures could turn deadly if the right measures are not taken.

The city has added 44 additional cooling centers at public schools for the weekend, including one in Chinatown. Because of the extreme heat, the city’s outdoor pools have been extended until 8 p.m.

The sun is beaming, and temperatures are climbing this Sunday. And New Yorkers, are looking for ways To beat the heat.

Celeste Garson and her son, Jake, wasted no time and rushed to the pool at John Jay Park in the Upper East Side.

“It is so hot, right? So he woke first thing in the morning, and what did you want to do? Go in the pool,” she said.

The persistent heat this weekend has families coming out of their confined living spaces. According to officials, Most heat-related deaths in the city occur in apartments without air conditioning.

“We live in a small apartment, so this type of public space is needed,” stated Constanza Prieto.

With temperatures reaching mid 90’s, the city has opened more cooling centers across the five boroughs.

Rochy is a delivery worker. On a day like this one, she takes breaks between deliveries and cools off at this center on East 70th Street and First Avenue.

“It is hot outside, but inside, it Is good because of the air conditioner,” she said.

Medical experts say people who work outdoors, like her, are most at risk of a heat stroke. Also, those of extreme ages and those on blood pressure or other cardiovascular medications are most at risk. The number one recommendation is to stay hydrated, as usual.

“If people start having symptoms of headaches, light headaches, dizziness, nausea and do not get themselves out that environment, that can progress to loss of consciousness, and unfortunately, every year, people do die from heat stroke,” said Dr. Eric Handler, the chairman of emergency medicine at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, RWJ Barnabas Health