CITYWIDE — HOUSES OF WORSHIP IN THE CITY ARE BEING ASKED to consider serving as Cooling Centers this summer, according to a flyer being distributed to religious organizations.
The city Department of Emergency Management has asked the nonprofit NY Disaster Interfaith Services to coordinate with the houses of worship, which can participate by opening their buildings to offer cool spaces and hospitality, potentially saving the lives of New Yorkers vulnerable to extreme heat in their homes and on the streets.
Cooling Centers are opened when the weather forecast warns of a 95 degree heat index for two or more consecutive days, of 100 degree-heat for a day or more, or of 105 degrees at any time.
A house of worship must meet several qualifications to be designated a Cooling Center: it must be air-conditioned, free and open to the public, must be able to provide drinking water, must be able to accommodate at least ten visitors, and must be staffed and able to operate during daytime hours (minimum between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
Houses of worship interested in serving as Cooling Centers may contact Jocelyn Rajaballey ([email protected]) at NYC Emergency Management.
NYCEM will notify participating Cooling Centers at least 24-48 hours in advance of a forecast heat emergency, and liaisons will check the various centers.
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