With forecasters predicting several consecutive days of dangerously high temperatures and heat index values that could exceed 110 degrees, state and local officials are urging residents to take precautions and seek relief from the heat if they do not have access to adequate air conditioning. The National Weather Service reports that the heat wave will begin Wednesday, July 1, with daytime highs approaching or exceeding 100 degrees and overnight temperatures remaining unusually warm, offering little opportunity for the body to recover from prolonged heat exposure.
In response, the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, along with Sussex County officials, has opened a network of cooling centers throughout Kent and Sussex counties to provide residents with safe, air-conditioned locations to escape the extreme heat and stay hydrated. The centers are available to anyone in need, particularly older adults, young children, individuals with chronic medical conditions, outdoor workers, and those without reliable air conditioning, all of whom face a greater risk of heat-related illness during prolonged periods of extreme temperatures.
Cooling centers in Sussex County include:
- Adams State Service Center, 546 Bedford Street, Georgetown, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Tuesday through Thursday. The center will be open until 6 PM on Wednesday, July 1
- Greenwood Public Library, 100 Mill Street, Greenwood, 10 AM to 6 PM, Wednesday and Thursday
- Laurel State Service Center, 31039 N. Poplar Street, Laurel, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Tuesday through Thursday
- Shipley State Service Center, 350 Virginia Ave, Seaford, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Tuesday through Thursday
- Milton Library, 121 Union Street, Milton, 10 AM to 6 PM, Wednesday and Thursday
- South Coastal Library, 43 Kent Avenue, Bethany Beach, 10 Am to 7 PM, Wednesday and Thursday
- Sussex County Administration Building, 2 The Circle, Georgetown 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Wednesday through Sunday
Sussex County EMS has doubled staffing for the weekend and will be making rounds at all cooling centers, answering heat related questions. Free bottled water will be available as well. Officials remind those who come to the cooling centers to bring any medications or specialty items.
In Kent County, relief from the heat can be found at:
- Duck Creek Regional Library, 22 South Main Street Smyrna, Wednesday 9 AM to 6 PM and Thursday, 10 AM to 8 PM
- Harrington Public Library, 101 Little Mastens Corner Road, Harrington, Wednesday, 9 AM to 4:45 PM and Thursday, 11 AM to 6:45 PM
- Kent County Empowerment Center, Maranatha Church, 1207 E. Division Street, Dover, call 302-734-9510 for days and hours
- Kent County Public Library, 497 South Red Haven Lane, Dover, Wednesday and Thursday, 9 AM to 8 PM
- Smyrna State Service Center, 100 Sunnyside Road, Smyrna, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Tuesday through Thursday
- Williams State Service Center, 805 River Road, Dover, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Tuesday through Thursday. The center will be open until 6 PM on Wednesday, July 1
Currently, cooling centers have not been announced for July 3 through 5 other than the Adams State Service Center as most public buildings are closed for the holiday weekend. DHSS may announce additional centers over the weekend as needed.
Transportation to cooling centers is available by calling 211. Operators can provide assistance in getting to the centers through DART or other means.
For residents who are unable to travel to a cooling center, health officials recommend taking extra precautions to stay as cool as possible at home. Close blinds and curtains during the day to block direct sunlight, use fans to circulate air, and avoid using ovens or other appliances that generate heat. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty, and avoid alcohol, sugary beverages, and excessive caffeine, which can contribute to dehydration. Wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and taking cool showers or placing damp towels on the neck and wrists can also help lower body temperature.
If you or someone else begins experiencing symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, hot or dry skin, or loss of consciousness, call 911 immediately. Heat stroke is a medical emergency, and quick action can save a life.
