Huntington Town Keeps Two Warming Centers Open Through Weekend Amid Frigid Temps

Huntington town officials kept two municipal warming centers open through the weekend as frigid temperatures moved across Long Island, a move aimed at protecting residents without heat or shelter during a prolonged cold snap.

Supervisor Ed Smyth and the Huntington Town Board announced the decision to maintain the sites, naming the Clark Gillies Dix Hills Ice Rink at 575 Vanderbilt Parkway in Dix Hills and the John J. Flanagan Huntington Senior Center at 423 Park Ave. in Huntington as the designated locations. The rink operated Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The senior center was open Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Town leaders framed the action as a public-safety response to dangerously cold forecasts, ensuring indoor space where residents can warm up during daytime hours. For many Suffolk County households, especially older adults and families facing heating crises, the centers offered a near-term option to avoid exposure and to connect with social services.

Residents who need additional help beyond a warming space are directed to Suffolk County support services. The Suffolk County Department of Social Services Emergency Services Unit can be reached at 631-854-9100; after 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, and throughout weekends and holidays, callers may dial 311. The Home Energy Assistance Program, which handles emergency home heating fuel and burner repairs, can be reached at 631-853-8820 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. United Way’s Project Warmth is available by calling 211 or 888-774-7633. For temporary housing or emergency shelter inquiries, the Suffolk County DSS Temporary Housing Assistance Unit lists 631-854-9547, with hours from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Press access to the warming centers was restricted to appointments arranged through the Town of Huntington Communications Office. Officials did not post additional operational details such as capacity limits, services provided inside the centers, or transportation options; those items remain subject to confirmation by town staff.

Local leaders and service providers face two near-term policy challenges: coordinating outreach to homebound and vulnerable residents, and ensuring that county-level emergency programs such as HEAP and temporary housing can meet demand during sustained cold. The decision to operate daytime warming sites addresses immediate exposure risks but does not substitute for emergency shelter beds or long-term heating repairs.

For residents, the practical steps are clear: use the Dix Hills rink or the Flanagan Senior Center during listed hours to warm up, and contact Suffolk County DSS, HEAP, or United Way numbers above for escalating needs. Town officials encouraged anyone with media questions to request access through the communications office; for continuing developments, watch for further town announcements about extended hours or additional services.