The Chautauqua County Health Department is urging local residents to prepare for dangerously hot weather, as much of New York State deals with heat and humidity through the rest of the week. Heat indices are expected to exceed 100 degrees in parts of Western New York through Friday, creating an increased risk for heat-related illnesses.
With many residents planning to attend parades, cookouts, sporting events, festivals, and fireworks during the Fourth of July holiday, officials encourage everyone to plan ahead and take steps to prevent heat-related illnesses. Extreme heat is one of the deadliest weather-related hazards in the United States, contributing to more than 1,200 deaths each year. Fortunately, heat-related illnesses and deaths are preventable.
County officials are providing the following tips:
STAY COOL
- Spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned buildings.
- Visit a cooling center, public library, shopping center, or other air-conditioned public space if your home is not air conditioned.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Limit outdoor activities to the early morning or evening hours whenever possible.
- Take frequent breaks in the shade if working outdoors.
- Never leave children, older adults, or pets unattended in a vehicle.
STAY HYDRATED
- Drink water frequently, even if you do not feel thirsty.
- Avoid excessive alcohol and sugary beverages.
- If working or exercising outdoors, increase your fluid intake.
- Make sure pets always have access to fresh water and shade.
STAY INFORMED
- Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Check local weather forecasts and heat advisories.
- Check on neighbors, relatives, and friends who may be more vulnerable during extreme heat.
PROTECT THOSE MOST VULNERABLE
- Some people are at greater risk of heat-related illness, including infants and young children, older adults, outdoor workers, people with chronic medical conditions, and pets.
COOLING CENTERS AVAILABLE
Residents needing relief from the heat are encouraged to visit one of Chautauqua County's designated cooling centers. A complete list of locations, addresses, and hours of operation is included below:
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Facility
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Address
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Contact Number
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Hours of Operation
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Ahira Hall Memorial Library
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37 West Main Street,
Brocton
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(716) 792-9418
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Mon and Wed: 1:00-8:00; Tues & Thu: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM; Fri: 1:00-5:00 PM; Sat: 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
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Mina Findley Lake Community Center / Alexander Findley Library
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2883 North Road,
Findley Lake
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(716) 769-6568
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Mon, Wed, Fri: 8:30 AM-4:00 PM; Tues, Thurs: 8:30 AM-7:00 PM, Sat: 9:00 AM-2:00 PM
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Ashville Free Library
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2200 North Maple Avenue, Ashville
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(716) 763-9906
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Mon-Fri: 9:30 AM-5:00 PM
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Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc.
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10825 Bennett Road, Dunkirk
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(716) 366-8176
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Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
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Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc.
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402 Chandler Street, Jamestown
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(716) 661-9430
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Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
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Chautauqua Mall
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318 Fairmount Avenue, Lakewood
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(716) 763-9355
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Mon-Thurs 11:00 AM-7:00 PM; Fri 11:00 AM-8:00 PM; Sat 10:00 AM-8:00 PM; Sun 11:00 AM-6:00 PM
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Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services
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110 East 4th Street, Jamestown
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(716) 661-8200
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Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
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Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services
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15 West Lucas Avenue,
Dunkirk
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(716) 679-9881
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Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
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Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services
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7 North Erie Street,
Mayville
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(716) 753-4421
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Mon-Fri: 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
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Ellington-Farman Free Library
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760 Thornton Road, Ellington
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(716) 287-2945
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Mon-Thurs: 11:00 AM-7:00 PM; Sat: 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
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Hazeltine Public Library
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891 Busti-Sugar Grove Road, Jamestown
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(716) 487-1281
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Mon, Wed, Fri: 1:00-5:00 PM and 6:30-8:30 PM; Tues and Thurs: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM; Sat: 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
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James Prendergast Library
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509 Cherry Street, Jamestown
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(716) 484-7135
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Mon-Thurs: 10:00 AM-8:30 PM; Fri: 10:00 AM-5:00 PM; Sat: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
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Joy Fellowship Free Methodist Church
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515 East 7th Street, Jamestown
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(716) 484-1542
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Mon, Wed, Fri: 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
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Lakewood Memorial Library
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12 West Summit Street, Lakewood
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(716) 763-6234
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Mon: 10:00 AM-6:00 PM; Tues: 10:00 AM-8:00 PM; Wed: 10:00 AM-6:00 PM; Thurs: 10:00 AM-8:00 PM; Fri: 10:00 AM-6:00 PM; Sat: 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
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Myers Memorial Library
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6 Falconer Street, Frewsburg
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(716) 569-5515
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Mon-Fri: 10:00 AM-1:00 PM, 3:00-6:00PM; Sat: 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
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Sinclairville Free Library
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15 Main Street Sinclairville
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(716) 962-5885
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Mon, Thurs: 2:00-7:00 PM; Wed: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM; Fri: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM; Sat: 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
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More information about heat safety is available from the National Weather Service, the New York State Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
