Workers take heat precautions while on the job; Nassau extends pool hours, opens cooling centers

The Wantagh and Cantiague park pools are open today and tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

News 12 Staff

Jul 27, 2020, 9:58 AM

Updated 1,540 days ago

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Monday's hot weather led more people to look for ways to beat the heat, and workers outside needed to make sure they're staying safe while on the job.
An air quality advisory was issued for Long Island Monday, meaning people who work outside or those with respiratory issues should limit their time outside, if possible.
Steven Schmid, who works with Smithtown's Parks Department, says while working in high heat with a mask can be tough, he says he only takes it off from time to time, when no one is around, to protect himself and those around him.
"Poor air quality air will make things more difficult, and wearing a mask as well, just that sense of not being able to get that air in, that cool air, that can feel even warmer and even more restricting," says Dr. Annamaria Iakovou, with Northwell Health.
Iakovoua says those with underlying conditions should go out early in the morning and later in the day, and pay particular attention to signs of heat illness, like confusion or dizziness.
Schmid says his department is always taking precautions when it comes to extreme temperatures.
"I've had my foremen come up to me, first thing they say, even when we just finished up, they say take a break," he says. "If you don't feel good, sit back, don't kill yourself."
Nassau County extended pool hours and opening cooling centers, and the Wantagh and Cantiague park pools opened through Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Hempstead Town officials also extended hours at their pools and beaches through Tuesday. Pools will close at 8 p.m., and beaches at 7 p.m.
In addition, cooling centers are open through Wednesday at Cantiague Park's Administration Office in Hicksville, the Wantagh Administration Building in Wantagh and the Mitchell Field Administration Building in Uniondale.
If you live in Suffolk, the county does not have cooling centers open. Instead, you should look for local town centers or pools.
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