With staggering temperatures that are expecting to reach triple digits, the Town of Colonie is anticipating to be offering cooling centers for residents to get away from the heat.
If the town is activates the cooling centers, they will be located at Memorial Town Hall on 534 Loudon Road, Newtonville, from 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., the Public Operations Building at 347 Old Niskayuna Road, Latham, from 8:30 a.m. till 6 p.m., and the Town Library at 629 Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville during regular hours.
Edward Neary, executive director of the Colonie Senior Services Center, said the process will start early once the town puts out an advisory through Mike Rayball, the town’s director of Emergency Management and Planning Department. He said the Beltrone Living Center will act as a cooling center for those who need it, and the center’s vehicles will be used as emergency transports for seniors who are unable leave their homes to get to a cooling center.
Those on the senior center’s mailing list will also be contacted to make sure everything is ok and to inform them of how to handle the extreme heat.
That’s where we get the entire staff to call every member, all 300 of them, to check with them and make sure they are OK, Neary said. `The situation could change for them out there where they may need attention. We’re taking a proactive approach and are getting a lot of support from the town and their emergency services.`
The Village of Menands’ Village Hall is also anticipated to act as a cooling center. The Village of Colonie will be offering the Village Hall and its Senior Citizens Center. They will be offering places to sit, refreshments and even television, according to Assistant Superintendent of Public Works Ed Sims. It will be open from now until 8 p.m. tonight.
Check back for an update as to whether the cooling centers are open or call the Town Supervisor’s Office at 783-2728.
UPDATE:
It has been confirmed the cooling stations will be activated today at noon.
UPDATE x2:
Got word that the cooling center will be closed tomorrow as it appears the weather conditions will be improving, according to a press release from the town. The library will also be closing its cooling center at 6 p.m.“