GEORGETOWN, Del.- Due to the high temperatures, officials in Sussex County have opened cooling stations where residents can go to escape the heat.
Below is a list of cooling stations in Sussex County currently open during the current heat wave:
County Administration Building
2 The Circle
Georgetown, DE
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. M-F
South Coastal Library
43 Kent Ave.
Bethany Beach, DE
10 a.m.-8 p.m. M-Th; 1-5 p.m. F;
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat
Milton Library
121 Union Street
Milton, DE
10 a.m.-8 p.m. M-F; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat.
Greenwood Library
100 Mill Street
Greenwood, DE
10 a.m.-8 p.m. M, T, Th, F;
10 a.m.-5 p.m. W; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sat.
Officials said Sussex County paramedics will make routine stops at these locations, as time permits, to answer any heat-related questions and/or concerns. Also, free, individual servings of bottled water will be available at the County Administration Building ONLY to help the public cool off from the heat.
When visiting a relief station, officials are asking people to bring with them any required medications and/or specialty items.
Residents and visitors are urged to limit exposure outside, particularly during the hottest part of the day – roughly from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. Those who must be outside should take frequent breaks, and drink plenty of water.
"This extreme heat can make many medical conditions such as heart and lung disease much worse," said Sussex County Emergency Medical Services Director Robert Stuart. "Staying cool and hydrating with water is essential for everyone when the heat index reaches the levels that have been forecasted."
Officials are providing the following hot weather safety tips:
- Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing. Lighter clothing deflects sunlight, and will not absorb heat like dark materials do;
- Stay in properly ventilated areas;
- Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day;
- Have plenty of water available. Avoid alcoholic beverages;
- Be aware of the signs of heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke, and seek medical attention if necessary. Signs of heat cramps can include muscular pains and spasms from heavy exertion. Resting in a cooler area, taking occasional sips of water and stretching the muscle mildly can counter the effects of heat cramps. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are much more serious, and may require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of heat exhaustion can include a pale or flushed appearance, as well as headache and nausea. Heat stroke symptoms include rapidly increased body temperature, loss of consciousness, rapid or weak pulse and rapid, shallow breathing.
- Be sure to check on friends, relatives and neighbors, particularly the elderly and young children, who may be at risk for exposure to the heat. Remember to give pets extra water, provide shade or bring them into a residence where temperatures are cooler.
The Sussex County EOC and Sussex County EMS will continue to monitor the weather situation and issue updates as needed. For more information, please call (302) 855-7801 [EOC] or (302) 854-5050 [EMS].
