Extreme heat sends Westchester residents searching for ways to stay cool
In Yonkers, children cooled off under the newly renovated sprinkler at Joseph Pickett Park, where families welcomed a refreshing escape from the scorching temperatures.
More Stories
As temperatures climbed across Westchester, residents flocked to sprinklers, pools and specially outfitted fire hydrants to beat the heat.
In Yonkers, children cooled off under the newly renovated sprinkler at Joseph Pickett Park, where families welcomed a refreshing escape from the scorching temperatures.
“You can see she’s having a blast,” said Lidia Delgado, as children played in the water.
In Mount Vernon, city officials activated specially fitted hydrant caps at about nine locations across the city, creating controlled spray areas for neighborhood residents.
“It’s going to be scorching hot,” said Michael Montes, director of Mount Vernon Emergency Management.
Montes said the city strategically installs the hydrant caps to help residents cool off safely during extreme heat.
“We choose about nine areas within the city to put our smart safety caps on our hydrants,” he said.
Lt. Nathaniel Bonapart of the Mount Vernon Fire Department explained that the caps are modified to create a safe spray instead of a powerful stream of water.
“We drill holes so that they can put enough water coming out that it sprays it as opposed to a forced gush,” Bonapart said.
Meanwhile, hundreds of people packed Sprain Ridge Pool in Yonkers, with attendance reaching about 1,700 visitors as families sought relief from the heat wave.
“Our number right now is up to 1,700 people on deck,” said Mark Porter, superintendent of Sprain Ridge Pool. “The lifeguards have been doing a tremendous job. They make sure water surveillance is our number one priority.”
Visitors said the pool offered a much-needed break from the dangerous temperatures.
“Make sure you’re ready because it is hot outside, like it’s hot. The floor is hot. It is hot!” said Desiree J.
Officials remind residents to stay hydrated, limit time outdoors during the hottest parts of the day and seek air-conditioned spaces whenever possible.
Residents interested in requesting a hydrant cooling cap for their block in Mount Vernon can contact the Mount Vernon Fire Department. Westchester County pools will also extend operating hours until 7:30 p.m. on Thursday to help residents stay cool.
