Poughkeepsie... There are several options throughout Dutchess County for residents to get out of the heat today.  Spending time in an air-conditioned environment is an important way to prevent heat-related illness.    With the excessive heat persisting in the local area, residents are advised to take extra precautions to stay safe and healthy.

• The Heart of Pine Plains (HoPP) Community Center will be open again today from 12pm to 5pm to allow residents an opportunity to get out of the heat. There will be games and snacks available and movies will be shown.    The HoPP Community Center is located at 7775 South Main Street in Pine Plains.   For more information, contact Jennifer Mosher at (518) 929-1392.
  
  
• The Village of Fishkill Hall, located at 1095 Main Street in Fishkill will also be open again today from 8am to 7:30pm.  Bottled water will be available and pets are welcome.   For more information, call 897-4430.
  
  
• The Starr Library will be open today from 10am to 5pm. Starr Library is located at 68 West Market Street in Rhinebeck.
  
  
• Rhinebeck Town Hall is also open today from 8:30am to 4pm.  Rhinebeck Town Hall is located at 80 East Market Street in Rhinebeck.  For more information, call 876-3409.
  
  
• Milan Town Hall is open today until 4pm for residents to come in for relief from the heat. Milan Town Hall is located at 21 Wilcox Circle (on Route 199) in Milan. For more information, call 758-5133.

Local libraries, shopping malls, grocery stores, movie theaters, art galleries are other great options to visit to get out the heat. The following links provide lists of local locations.

• Libraries: http://www.co.dutchess.ny.us/Community/LIBindex.htm
  
  
• Shopping centers: http://www.dutchesstourism.com/shopping-mall.asp
  
  
• Art galleries: http://www.dutchesstourism.com/arts_galleries.asp

The Dutchess County Department of Health and Department of Emergency Response has a complete guide to summer heat safety. Find out more about how to protect yourself and your family at www.dutchessny.gov.