Warming shelters open as frigid air takes hold, officials say

Long Island officials are arranging to help those struggling to stay warm as emergency shelter plans have taken effect in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

The Suffolk County Department of Social Services safe beds program activates when the air temperature is at or below 32 degrees, including the wind chill, and is available to provide shelter to anyone in need, officials said.

Anytime after 4 p.m. and on weekends or holidays, those in need in Suffolk can call 631-854-9100.

Nassau County spokeswoman Amanda Laikin said warming centers were being opened. Nassau’s centers, which cover much of the county, are:

•Glen Cove Senior Center, 130 Glen St., 516-759-9610, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays

•Town of Oyster Bay Ice Skating Center, 1001 Stewart Ave., Bethpage, 516-433-7465, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday

•Cantiague Park Ice Rink, 480 W. John St., Hicksville, 516-571-7056, 8 a.m.-11 p.m.

•Grant Park, Broadway and Sheridan Avenue, Hewlett, 516-571-7821, 8 a.m.-11 p.m.

•Mitchel Field Administration Center, 1 Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Uniondale, 516-572-0400, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

To access the Suffolk County emergency shelter program, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., call 631-854-9547.

Sheltering assistance and a food pantry are available at the following DSS walk-in centers from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.:

•2 S. Second St., Deer Park, 631-854-6600

•80 Middle Country Rd., Coram, 631-854-2300

•200 Wireless Blvd., Hauppauge, 631-853-8714

•893 E. Main St., Riverhead, 631-852-3500

Hempstead Town designated the town’s 15 senior centers as places for residents to go to warm up Wednesday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until 4:45 p.m. Those are located in Baldwin, Bellmore, Cederhurst, Elmont, Hempstead, Franklin Square, Valley Stream, Levittown, Merrick, Oceanside, Roosevelt, Westbury, Uniondale and Wantagh.

Hempstead Town Councilman Anthony D’Esposito said these are places where “residents can enjoy some warmth, camaraderie and a hot beverage.”

With Joan Gralla and Rachel Uda

By Candice Ferrette

candice.ferrette@newsday.comcandiceferrette

Candice Ferrette covers Nassau County government and politics on Long Island. She has been a reporter at Newsday since 2011.