Government

LinkNYC kiosks aid in cooling efforts during heat wave

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June 12, 2026

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New York City is using its LinkNYC kiosk network to help residents find cooling centers during an extreme heat event, according to an amNY report. Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that more than 2,200 kiosks across the city will display real-time walking directions to the nearest cooling center within a 10-minute walk. The kiosks, which also provide Wi-Fi and phone charging services, automatically update information using data from the city's Cool Options Finder as cooling centers open and close.

The initiative is a partnership among New York City Emergency Management, the Office of Technology and Innovation and LinkNYC. City officials said the goal is to use existing public technology infrastructure to connect residents with life-saving resources during dangerous heat events. LinkNYC's advertising-supported kiosk network allows the information to be delivered throughout the five boroughs at no direct cost to taxpayers.

Officials emphasized that extreme heat remains one of New York City's deadliest weather-related hazards and that access to air conditioning is the most effective way to stay safe. According to city data, an estimated 525 New Yorkers died annually from heat-related causes between 2018 and 2022. By providing real-time directions and information through the kiosk network, city leaders hope to expand awareness of available cooling centers and encourage more residents to seek relief during heat emergencies.