Heat Information
DELAWARE COUNTY'S 2021 HEAT PLAN
Delco's Heat Plan details resources to help vulnerable people cope with extreme heat
PRINTABLE HEAT INFORMATION FLYERS AND HELPFUL WEBSITES:
- Heat Plan 2021
- Tips to Help you survive the Heat
- Don't Risk Getting Dehydrated
- Hot Weather - Be Prepared
- Heat Stress Fact Sheet
- Fan Facts
- CDC Web Site on Heat Stress
- CDC Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness
- Keeping Pets Safe During a Heat Wave
Each summer, Delaware County develops a Heat Plan with resources and tips aimed at helping residents cope with the extreme heat. Delaware County is proactive when it comes to the health and safety of residents. The County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) and the Department of Human Services work to put a Heat Plan in place before the hot weather hits and to offer resources for residents to cope with the heat once it arrives.
Residents are urged to visit the County's website to read the 2021 Heat Plan and learn about the resources the County provides. Residents should take precautions during heat waves and high humidity, check in with elderly and disabled family members and neighbors who are at greater risk for heat-related illnesses.
COSA's Heat Information Line at (610) 872-1558 is a recorded 24-hour phone service that runs June 1 through September 30, providing residents with heat advisory updates and information. People who need additional assistance can contact a COSA's Information and Assistance service at (610) 490-1300.
SENIOR CENTERS
Chester Senior Center
721 Hayes Street
Chester, PA 19013
610-497-3550
Hours: 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday
Friendship Circle Senior Center
1515 Lansdowne Avenue
Darby, PA 19023
East Campus of Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital
Phone: 610-237-6222
Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Weekend programming on occasion, see calendar of events.
Good Neighbor Senior Center
1085 Hook Road
Darby Township, PA 19079
Phone: 610-586-8170
Hours: Monday through Friday 9:30 am to 3:00 pm
Evening and weekend programming on occasion, see calendar of events.
Havertown Senior Center
1105 Earlington Road
Havertown, PA 19083
Hours: Mon-Fri: 9:00AM-4:00PM
Hometown Senior Center
302 S. Jackson Street
Media, PA 19063
Hours: Mon-Fri: 9:00AM-4:00PM
Schoolhouse Senior Center
600 Swarthmore Avenue
Folsom, PA 19033
Phone: 610-237-8100 ext. 30
Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Evening and weekend programming on occasion, see calendar of events
Upper Darby Senior Center
326 Watkins Avenue
Upper Darby, PA 19082
610-734-7652
Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday to Friday
8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday
Wayne Senior Center
108 Station Road
Wayne, PA 19087
(610) 688-6246
Hours: Monday–Thursday: 9am–4:30pm
Friday: 9am-3:30pm
DON'T FORGET YOUR PET DURING A HEAT WAVE
Pets need extra care during extreme temperatures, as they cannot care for themselves. There are several measures that can be taken to alleviate the repercussions of heat on pets.
- Never leave your pet in a parked car. On an 85 F day, the temperature in a car can reach 102F in ten minutes, and will continue to climb.
- Watch for humidity. Humidity is very detrimental for pets. Dogs pant in order to release moisture from their lungs which acts as a cooling mechanism (since they don't sweat). If there is too much moisture in the air, pets are unable to cool themselves properly. Take your dog's temperature. If it is over 104 F, begin treatment for heat stroke.
- Know the symptoms of heat stroke in your pet. Symptoms include heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, excessive thirst, lethargy, profuse salivation, a deep red or purple tongue, lack of coordination, and unconsciousness. To treat heat stroke, move them into a cool, shaded area. Apply ice packs or cold towels to head, neck, and chest and run cool water over them. Let them take small sips of water or eat ice cubes. Take them to the vet immediately.
- Limit exercise on hot days: only take your pet in the early morning or evening hours to avoid the midday heat. Avoid asphalt as it can get very hot and burn your animal's paws.
- Give your pets water with ice cubes in it. Eating the ice cubes will help lower their body temperature.
For more information and assistance, the Delaware County Health Department Wellness Line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In addition to responding to phone calls, the Wellness Line also responds to email inquiries.
Phone: (484) 276-2100 (Available 24/7)
Email: DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us
