When the heat index, which is an estimate of how it feels when air temperature and humidity are combined, is predicted to be dangerously high, New York City opens cooling centers in air-conditioned facilities to offer people relief from the heat.
Locations where cooling centers are located include:
Libraries
Community centers
Senior centers
NYCHA facilities
You should use a cooling center during a heatwave if you have no access to a cool environment, and particularly if you are at risk for heat-related illness.