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Rockland County Under Heat Alert: Index Could Reach 110 Degrees

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ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — June 23, 2025 — The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for Rockland County and the surrounding region, in effect through at least 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24.

Heat index values are expected to reach up to 110 degrees, creating dangerous conditions for all residents. The combination of extreme heat and high humidity can significantly increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly for vulnerable populations such as seniors, young children, and those working or exercising outdoors.


Health and Safety Recommendations:

  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

  • Avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, typically from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  • Wear light, loose-fitting clothing and take frequent breaks in the shade or in air-conditioned areas.

  • Check on elderly neighbors, family, and others who may be at risk. Those without air conditioning should seek out cooling centers, as fans are not sufficient during extreme heat.


🧊 Cooling Centers Open Across Rockland County

Cooling centers have been activated across the county to help residents cope with the heat. To locate a center near you, visit:
🔗 rocklandcountyny.gov/government/cooling-centers

Always call ahead to confirm that a specific cooling center is open and operating during the posted hours.


🏥 Additional Resources

For more tips on how to stay safe during extreme heat events, the New York State Department of Health provides helpful guidance:
🔗 health.ny.gov/publications/1243

Government

Rockland County Urges Water Conservation as Climate Change Impacts Supply

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NEW CITY, NY — The Rockland County Task Force on Water Resources Management is encouraging residents to learn how climate change is affecting water availability and what steps they can take to protect the county’s supply.

Experts say climate change is increasingly being viewed as a water crisis, as rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns lead to stronger storms, flooding, and drought. Although water covers much of the planet, less than one percent of freshwater is readily available for human use, making conservation critical.

Rockland County depends entirely on local surface and groundwater sources to serve homes, schools, businesses, and healthcare facilities. As the population grows and climate conditions evolve, officials say responsible water use is essential to maintaining a stable supply.

“Protecting our water supply is essential to the long-term health and economic stability of Rockland County,” said Ed Day. “Education and conservation are key tools that help ensure our water resources remain reliable for future generations.”

💧 Simple Ways to Conserve Water

Residents can make a meaningful impact with small, everyday actions:

  • Fix household leaks promptly
  • Take shorter showers
  • Turn off the tap while brushing teeth
  • Use water-efficient appliances
  • Plant native or drought-tolerant landscaping
  • Water lawns and gardens efficiently

Reducing water use also lowers energy consumption, since energy is required to pump, treat, and heat water—helping cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Officials encourage residents to follow the task force online for updates, resources, and conservation tips. More information is available through the county’s water conservation program.

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Government

Rockland County Offers Free Mosquito Dunks and Minnows to Fight Summer Mosquitoes

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The Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) is giving residents two free tools to fight mosquitoes:

1. Mosquito Dunks®

  • Donut-shaped tablets placed in standing water
  • Kill mosquito larvae before they become biting adults
  • Safe for use in:
    • Unused/covered pools
    • Hot tubs
    • Other stagnant water containers

2. Fathead minnows

  • Small fish that eat mosquito larvae (up to ~200 per day each)
  • Good for:
    • Unused pools
    • Ornamental ponds
    • Water sources with at least 8 inches of water

 How to get Mosquito Dunks

  • Pickup location: Robert L. Yeager Health Complex (Pomona)
  • Appointment required
  • To request:
  • Bring a completed Mosquito Dunk Order Form to pickup

 Minnow giveaway details

  • Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
  • Time: 4:30–6:00 PM
  • Location: 50 Sanatorium Road, Pomona
  • Reservation required (call or reserve online)
  • ⚠️ Must be used within Rockland County (permitting rules)

 What residents should do

Even if you don’t pick these up, the most effective step is simple:

  • Check your yard weekly
  • Dump or remove anything holding water (buckets, tarps, gutters, planters, etc.)

Why it matters

These efforts help prevent mosquito-borne illnesses (like West Nile virus), which spread through standing-water breeding.

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