CHEMUNG COUNTY, N.Y. (WENY) -  As the temperatures continue to rise here in the Twin Tiers, it's important to find ways to stay cool and hydrated. 

"The best thing to do is to avoid any type of strenuous activity. If you have to do gardening, if you have to do your errands do them first thing in the morning. Close your blinds and curtains and we really advise against running a fan when it's extremely hot because it will actually make the room warmer," says Kim Salisbury, Director for the Chemung County Office for the Aging. 

Chemung County's Office for the Aging says it is crucial for family, friends and neighbors to check on the elderly, young children as well as those who have a disability or a chronic medical condition. 

Salisbury added, "Seniors, young children and those with disabilities are more prone to heat illnesses. They're not able to cool off, they don't actually sweat or perspire as well as maybe you or I do, as easily as we do." 

For those who do not have an air conditioner, both organizations advise residents to go to a public place, like a library, mall or grocery store that does have an air conditioner. If the American Red Cross does decide to open a cooling center, residents can also stop there. 

"It's a place where you can come during the day, maybe get some water, you know meet with friends. So depending on the partnership, if its with one of our education partners or higher education partners, we would ask to be given permission to use maybe their gymnasium," says Brian McConnell, Executive Director for the American Red Cross Finger Lakes Chapter. 

As of right now, the American Red Cross and Emergency Management are working together and have been monitoring the chance of a heat wave coming this week. If there is one, and depending on how long it lasts, a cooling center could open up for the public if necessary.