Cooling Centers in Brooklyn

June 23, 2023   406

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Enhancing Cooling Centers in Brooklyn: A Vital Response to Escalating Summer Heatwaves

As climate change escalates, Brooklyn, New York City, has experienced increasingly frequent and intense summer heatwaves. This has heightened the importance of accessible cooling centers, which are essential for safeguarding residents against heat-related risks, particularly in densely populated and vulnerable neighborhoods like East Flatbush

Understanding Heat Vulnerability in Brooklyn

New York City's urban landscape significantly contributes to high temperatures during the summer. Neighborhoods like East Flatbush are particularly susceptible due to limited green spaces, sparse air conditioning availability, and high population density. This area, with the city's highest heat vulnerability index, is a priority for public health and safety initiatives, especially during peak heat periods

The Urgent Need for More Cooling Centers

Recent data underscores a critical gap in Brooklyn's preparedness for heatwaves. East Flatbush, for instance, has drastically fewer cooling centers compared to its needs, with only two facilities available during the last significant heatwave for its over 160,000 residents. This stark disparity highlights the necessity for a strategic increase in the number of cooling centers to adequately meet community demands

Catholic Charities Senior Centers: A Community Response

In response to this urgent need, Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens have proactively designated their 17 senior centers across the boroughs as cooling centers. Some of these centers even offer extended hours during heatwaves, ensuring that vulnerable populations, particularly seniors, have a respite from the heat

The Role of Community and Government in Heat Preparedness

The risks associated with heat vulnerability are severe, with an average of 370 heat-related fatalities annually in New York City alone—a number projected to rise with ongoing global warming. It’s imperative for community leaders and government officials to collaborate on expanding the availability and accessibility of cooling centers. Providing more widespread, well-publicized cooling options will significantly mitigate the adverse health impacts of summer heatwaves

Conclusion

The increasing intensity of summer heatwaves due to climate change makes the expansion and accessibility of cooling centers in Brooklyn not just beneficial but essential for public health. With proper planning and community engagement, Brooklyn can enhance its resilience against the heat and protect its residents, particularly those in high-risk neighborhoods like East Flatbush

Contact one of our Senior Centers below to find a Cooling Center near you.

• Bayside Senior Center 221-15 Horace Harding Expwy Bayside, NY 11364  (718) 225-1144 
• Catherine Sheridan Senior Center 35-24 83rd Street Jackson Heights, NY 11372  (718) 458-4600 
• EXTENDED HOURS Dellamonica-Steinway Senior Center 23-56 Broadway Astoria, NY 11106  (718) 626-1500
• Glenwood Senior Center 5701 Ave H Brooklyn, NY 11234  (718) 241-7711 
• EXTENDED HOURS Hillcrest Senior Center 168-01B Hillside Avenue Jamaica, NY 11432  (718) 297-7171
•  EXTENDED HOURS Howard Beach Senior Center 155-55 Cross Bay Blvd Howard Beach, NY 11414  (718) 738-8100 
• EXTENDED HOURS Narrows Senior Center 1230 63rd Street Brooklyn, NY 11219  (718) 232-3211 
• EXTENDED HOURS Northside Senior Center 179 North 6th Street Brooklyn, NY 11211  (718) 387-2316 
• Ozone Park Senior Center 103-02 101st Avenue Ozone Park, NY 11416  (718) 847-2100 
• Pete McGuinness Senior Center 715 Leonard Street Brooklyn, NY 11222  (718) 383-1940 
• EXTENDED HOURS Riverway Senior Center 230 Riverdale Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11212  (718) 942-5345 
• Seaside Senior Center 320 Beach 94th Street Rockaway Beach, NY 11693  (347) 926-4119
• St. Charles Jubilee Senior Center 55 Pierrepont Street Brooklyn, NY 11201  (718) 855-0326  
• St. Louis Senior Center 230 Kingston Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11213 (718) 771-7945 
• The Bay Senior Center 3643 Nostrand Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11229 (718) 648-2053 
• The Lodge Senior Center 7711 18th Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11214 (718) 621-1081 
• Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Senior Center 89-02 91st Street Woodhaven, NY 11421 (718) 847-9200