State of emergency in Putnam due to extreme heat

CARMEL, N.Y. - County Executive Kevin Byrne has declared a state of emergency in Putnam County to address the current heatwave and its potential impact on public health.

As part of the emergency declaration, Byrne is issuing an executive order to suspend park admission fees at Veterans Memorial Park, allowing residents to access the park’s swimming areas free of charge. This measure is designed to provide relief to those looking for ways to safely cool off, as many lakes throughout the county remain closed to swimming due to harmful algal blooms.

For updates on beach closures, residents are encouraged to visit Putnam County's beach status page.

Additionally, all four Putnam County's senior centers will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. as cooling centers for residents seeking relief from the extreme temperatures. While the centers are typically reserved for seniors, they will be open to all residents, regardless of age, during the heatwave. These openings are in addition to many libraries across the county being opened as cooling centers. Residents are encouraged to call ahead to confirm availability at their preferred center.

“The safety and well-being of our residents is a top priority, especially in extreme heat conditions,” Byrne said. “Our senior centers are a great resource for everyone who needs relief from the heat. By opening these cooling centers and providing free access to swimming, we are doing everything we can to ensure residents can stay safe and cool during this intense weather.”

County Cooling Center Locations

• Carmel Friendship Center
  110 Old Route 6
  Carmel
  845-808-1701
• Philipstown Friendship Center
  6 Butterfield Road
  Cold Spring
  845-808-1705
• William Koehler Memorial Senior Center
  180 Route 6
  Mahopac(845-808-1738
• Putnam Valley Friendship Center
  117 Town Park Lane
  Putnam Valley
  845-808-1730
• Brewster Public Library, 845-279-6421 (Village of Brewster)
• Julia L. Butterfield Library, 845-265-3040 (Cold Spring)
• Desmond Fish Public Library, 845-424-3020 (Garrison)
• Kent Public Library, 845-225-8585
• Mahopac Public Library, 845-628-2009
• Patterson Library, 845-878-6121
• Putnam Valley Library, 845-528-3242
• Reed Memorial Library, 845-225-2439 (Carmel)

“We encourage all residents to take precautions during this extreme heat,” added Byrne. “Whether it’s visiting a cooling center or taking a dip at Veterans Memorial Park, we want to ensure our community has access to the resources they need to stay safe.”

For further updates, including additional cooling resources in the county, residents are encouraged to visit the Department of Health’s website and social media.

Article provided by the county executive’s office