Orange, Ulster counties open cooling centers as dangerous heat grips region

Posted 7/1/26

With dangerous heat expected to continue through the Independence Day holiday, Orange and Ulster county officials are urging residents to take precautions and make use of cooling centers as …

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Orange, Ulster counties open cooling centers as dangerous heat grips region

Posted

With dangerous heat expected to continue through the Independence Day holiday, Orange and Ulster county officials are urging residents to take precautions and make use of cooling centers as temperatures and heat indexes climb into potentially dangerous territory.

Gov. Kathy Hochul warned New Yorkers that some areas of the state could experience "feels like" temperatures exceeding 110 degrees through Friday, while severe thunderstorms capable of producing damaging winds and power outages remain possible. Residents are urged to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, check on vulnerable neighbors and know the location of nearby cooling centers. 

Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus announced that a network of air-conditioned cooling centers has been activated throughout the county.

"With the high temperatures and dangerous heat indexes that are forecasted, I am urging residents to look out for one another and take precautions, including utilizing our local cooling centers, if necessary," Neuhaus said. "Please share this information, check on your neighbors, especially the elderly, and stay hydrated and safe." 

Residents are encouraged to stay indoors during peak heat hours between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous outdoor activity and never leave children or pets in vehicles. Officials recommend calling ahead to verify operating hours before visiting a cooling center. 

In neighboring Ulster County, the Department of Emergency Services has opened cooling centers at 2nda Iglesia La Mision Church, 80 Elmendorf St., Kingston, and The Trudy Center, 50 Center St., Ellenville. Both facilities are open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Friday, with county officials planning to reassess conditions before the holiday weekend. The Family of Woodstock Hotline, (845) 338-2370, is available for residents needing additional assistance. 

New York State has also extended operating hours at several swimming facilities, including Lake Minnewaska State Park, Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park Pool and Fahnestock State Park, to provide additional opportunities for relief from the heat. 

Health officials remind residents that extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States. Older adults, young children, people with chronic medical conditions and those without access to air conditioning are at greatest risk for heat-related illness.

Orange County Cooling Centers

  • Crawford Town Hall, 121 Route 302, Pine Bush — Call for hours.
  • Echo Grace Church, 2839 Route 94, Washingtonville — Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Saturday, 4:30-6:30 p.m.; Sunday, 7 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Goodwill Church, 2135 Route 208, Montgomery — Sunday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Goshen Public Library and Historical Society, 366 Main St., Goshen — Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
  • Middletown Thrall Library, 11-19 Depot St., Middletown — Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • 8-10 Mulberry St., Middletown — Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • Monroe Free Library, 44 Millpond Parkway, Monroe — Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Wednesday, noon-8 p.m.; Friday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Municipal Center, 1 Municipal Square, Walden — Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
  • Newburgh Free Library, 124 Grand St., Newburgh — Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
  • Otisville Fire Department, 60 State St., Otisville — Call for hours.
  • Port Jervis Free Library, 138 Pike St., Port Jervis — Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Recreation Department Activity Center, 401 Washington St., Newburgh — Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. The City of Newburgh is also operating the facility as an emergency cooling center from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. 
  • Town of Chester Senior Center, 81 Laroe Rd., Chester — Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
  • Town of Mount Hope Town Hall, 1706 Route 211 W., Otisville — Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Town of Wallkill Community Center, Wes Warren Drive, Middletown — Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Town of Woodbury Community Center, 3 Coach Wilson Trail, Highland Mills — Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Village Hall, 77 Main St., Warwick — Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Village of Chester Police Substation, 78 Brookside Ave., Suite 140, Chester — Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Village of Florida Senior Center, 3 Cohen Circle, Florida — Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Village of Goshen Senior Center, 100 Trotter Circle, Goshen — Call for hours.
  • Village of Greenwood Lake Senior Center, 132 Windermere Ave., Greenwood Lake — Tuesday-Friday, 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
  • Village of Monroe Hall, 7 Stage Road, Monroe — Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Warwick Town Senior Center, 132 Kings Highway, Warwick — Call for hours.
  • Wawayanda Senior Citizens Building, Route 284, Slate Hill — Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
  • Albert Wisner Public Library, 1 McFarland Drive, Warwick — Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4 p.m.
  • Cornwall Public Library, 395 Hudson St., Cornwall — Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, 1-4 p.m