Seniors Flock To Nassau County Cooling Center To Beat The Heat

FRANKLIN SQUARE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- The first summer scorcher of the season is here and it's packing plenty of heat and humidity.

CBS2's Ali Bauman reported seniors quickly filled a cooling center in Nassau County Wednesday, aware that the blazing heat could be dangerous to their health.

"I can't breathe it in, I have a lung problem," Lynn Adornato of Franklin Square said. "Thank goodness for this place because it's air-conditioned."

"People are passing out. They have to be drinking water and they're not," cooling center volunteer Mary Gambino said. "They should be in here where it's cooling."

Towns across Long Island extended the hours for cooling centers to keep seniors out of the heat and humidity.

However, for the people who had to work outdoors, there was simply no way to beat the heat.

Ruben Ortiz struggled against the humidity as he tried to clear roadside debris away from his business.

"Stay hydrated, drink iced tea, that's about it," Ortiz said. "Hopefully go to the pool later on."

Amy Condron had the day off, but her dog insisted on going outside for a walk.

"We're not going to go too far, but if I didn't take her, she gets mad, so I had to take her," Condron said.

Families flocked to town pools, which also have extended hours.

"The water is beautiful, just the right temperature, and it's just the perfect place to be in the summer," Richard Ernst said.

Some also chose to relax under trees or tents.

"Stay in the shade, in the cool breeze and watch your kids swim while you stay aside," Jen Toplan of West Hempstead said.

Thursday is expected to be the hottest day of the year so far.