DELMARVA — As temperatures climb across Delmarva, community centers, libraries, and government buildings are opening their doors to give neighbors a free place to escape the heat — and for some, the need goes far beyond comfort.
Staff at cooling centers across the region say they are already seeing crowds, with some locations reporting lines at the door.
For older adults, the stakes are especially high. MAC Inc., one of the designated cooling centers for adults 55 and older in Wicomico County, offers not just air conditioning but water and access to community resources.
Nick Cranford, community relations and development manager at MAC Inc., said the danger of heat for older adults is often underestimated.
"So [for] older adults it is extremely important that they don't overheat. And it can be easier to overheat as you get older, as you age, your skin starts to thin, and that makes it harder for your body to regulate the temperature…. It really can be the difference between life and death for some people, when the temperatures get as high as they are," Cranford said.
Libraries are also stepping up. The Princess Anne Library has seen familiar faces stop in, and staff say the value of having a free, welcoming space is hard to overstate.
"It's important because this is one of the few places here where you can come in and it's free to exist," said Dani Craige, library services manager.
In Delaware, state government buildings are also welcoming anyone who needs a break from the heat — especially some of the most vulnerable members of the community.
"You have individuals that are homeless, and they need a place to come in and just kind of stay for a while and just cool off," said Victoria Mesa, administrator for the Shipley State Service Center.
Sabrina Mosby, who runs the cooling center at the Williams State Service Center in Dover, said the turnout on the first day of the heat wave made clear just how much these centers are needed.
"Well, today, early this morning, we had a line at the front door. We had about 25 people come in today for the cooling station. We offer a lot of water. We offer snacks. We also give people resources to go out to the food banks," Mosby said.
Cooling centers across Delmarva are open throughout the week. For a full list of locations and hours, visit WBOC.com
