LIers prepare for soaring temperatures

Dangerously hot temperatures are expected to blanket Long Island Friday, soaring into the upper 90s and prompting officials to open cooling centers and dispatch teams to check on people whose health may be in jeopardy.

The National Weather Service is predicting a high of 98 degrees, but the humidity will make it feel about 110 degrees. The record temperature for the date is 96 degrees in Islip set in 1991.

Adding to the misery will be poor air quality. With temperatures so high, the air will be stagnant and pollutants will linger, weather service meteorologist Joe Pollina said. An excessive heat warning and an air quality warning will be in effect. Children, the elderly and people with health problems are most at risk, and they are advised to stay indoors with air-conditioning.

Cooling centers will be open throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties, officials said.

"The combination of heat and humidity can become unbearable and dangerous for many of our residents, and the county is doing all it can to provide some relief," said Nassau Executive Edward Mangano.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy said teams of emergency workers have been checking about 500 residents in their homes who are considered at extra risk during the heat wave because of age or health conditions.

The heat was bad enough to send dozens of senior citizens flocking to the Caesar Trunzo Senior Center in Brentwood for some cool relief. Felicia Malave, 79, of Brentwood, said she just got back from a trip to Sarasota, Fla., and the weather was worse on Long Island. "It's terrible. I don't like it," she said.

At Huntington Town's Dix Hills pool, manager Caiti Stremel said about 500 people were there throughout the day.

"We definitely had more people than usual today," Stremel said. "Everyone was saying it was a relief to escape to the pool."

The Hispanic American Club of Brentwood, which meets at the center, has held an outdoor picnic annually for the past 14 years. Friday, however, the club is taking the gathering -- scheduled for Belmont State Park in North Babylon -- indoors to the Trunzo center.

"It can't be done. It's out of the question. It's too dangerous," said Sergio Colon, 73, the head of the group.

LIPA said it expected to be able to handle the energy crunch Friday, though it urged customers to keep their air-conditioners at 78 degrees and take other steps such as closing drapes and blinds during the day to block the sun's rays.

Pollina said Island residents can expect a little relief tomorrow -- temperatures should be in the lower to mid-90s. On Sunday, they should slip into the upper 80s, he said.

With Bill Mason

Correction: A previous version of this story had an incorrect record high temperature for Thursday, July 21.

Heat safety tips

Stay in air-conditioned places as much as possible.

Cool down with repeated baths or showers.

Do not leave children or pets in a parked vehicle -- even for just a few minutes.

Reapply sunscreen after swimming or sweating heavily, regardless of the waterproof label.

Wear light-colored, loosefitting clothes. Use umbrellas and hats when you are out in the sun.

Caffeine and alcohol will dehydrate the body. So drink more water, sports drinks and juice -- the body needs fluid to keep cool.

Any outdoor activities should be done in the morning or in the evening to avoid overheating.