Beat the Heat: Here’s Where You Can Find Cooling Centers in Central New York

The first major heat wave of the summer is here, and if you don't have air conditioning, or just need a break from the heat, there are plenty of places across Central New York where you can cool off.

New York State has activated cooling centers to help residents stay safe during extreme temperatures. Some locations are open year-round, while others only open during heat advisories, so it's always a good idea to call ahead before you go.

Cooling Centers in the Utica Area

If you're in the Utica area, here are several places where you can escape the heat:

• Utica Public Library – 303 Genesee St., Utica
• Parkway Center – 220 Memorial Parkway, Utica
• North Utica Senior Community – 50 Riverside Dr., Utica
• New Hartford Public Library – 2 Library Lane, New Hartford
• Sangertown Square Mall – 8555 Seneca Turnpike, New Hartford
• Jervis Public Library – 613 N. Washington St., Rome
• Rome YMCA – 301 W. Bloomfield St., Rome
• Kirkland Town Library – 55½ College St., Clinton

More Cooling Centers Around Central New York

Additional cooling centers are available throughout the region, including:

Madison County

• Madison County Office for the Aging – Canastota
• Hamilton Public Library – Hamilton
• Morrisville Public Library – Morrisville
• Oneida Public Library – Oneida
• New Woodstock Public Library – New Woodstock
• VVS Corner Library – Sherrill

Chenango County

• Otselic Valley Library – South Otselic

Montgomery County

• Fort Plain VFW – Fort Plain
• Town of Glen Office Building – Fultonville
• St. Johnsville Community Center and Village Hall – St. Johnsville

Fulton County

• Gloversville Public Library
• Gloversville Senior Center
• Johnstown Public Library
• Shirley J. Luck Senior Citizen Center – Johnstown

Otsego County

• Worcester Town Pool – Worcester

Don't See Your County?

Not every county reports its cooling centers to the New York State Department of Health.

Read More: Triple-Digit Heat Index Possible in CNY: Here's How to Stay Cool 

If you don't see a location near you, check with your county health department. Air-conditioned public places like libraries, shopping malls, grocery stores and community centers are also great options when temperatures climb.

What Are Clean Air Centers?

Some cooling centers also serve as clean air centers during days when air quality is unhealthy because of wildfire smoke or other pollution. These locations give people a safe place to escape both the heat and poor outdoor air quality.

Whether they're open as cooling centers, clean air centers, or both depends on local officials and weather conditions.

Find a Cooling Center Near You

Because some cooling centers are only activated during extreme heat events, New Yorkers are encouraged to check the state's Cooling Center Finder before heading out. The online map includes the latest hours, locations and any special information about each facility. Check it out here.