Heat Information
DELAWARE COUNTY'S 2024 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 2024
- Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!
- Beat the Heat
- Know the Signs - 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 for when 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 2024 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.
Stay Cool Indoors
Whenever possible, remain in air-conditioned locations. Heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke occur when the body cannot cool itself effectively, typically due to extreme heat. Normally, the body cools through sweating, but when temperatures soar, sweating may not be enough, leading to a dangerous rise in body temperature and potential damage to vital organs.
To stay cool, use fans strategically. Place them in or near windows to draw in cooler air from outside, and always plug them directly into a wall outlet, using a UL-approved extension cord if necessary. However, avoid using fans in closed rooms without open windows or doors, as they don't cool air but simply move it around to aid sweat evaporation. Never use a fan to blow extremely hot air on yourself, as this can worsen heat exhaustion.
If you can't open windows for fan use, consider other cooling methods like taking cool showers or baths, or visiting air-conditioned public places such as senior centers, libraries, or malls.
Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!
Hydrate Regularly: Drink plenty of water throughout the day before, during, and after you are out in the heat is key. Avoid beverages containing alcohol, caffeine, or excessive sugar as they can dehydrate you further.
Hydrate Before Work Start your workday well-hydrated to maintain hydration throughout. If you begin dehydrated, you may struggle to meet your body’s water needs during the day.
Hydrate During Work Drink before feeling thirsty, as thirst signals dehydration. Dehydration can reduce work performance and contribute to heat exhaustion. Aim to drink 1 cup of water every 15–20 minutes, totaling 24–32 ounces per hour. Avoid drinking more than 48 ounces per hour to prevent a dangerous drop in blood salt levels.
Hydrate After Work Replenish fluids lost through sweat by drinking water after work, especially if you work in heat regularly. Proper hydration reduces the risk of conditions like kidney stones and eases the strain of dehydration on your body.
Check on Others
Be mindful of friends, neighbors, and especially older adults who may be more vulnerable to the heat. A quick check-in can make a significant difference.
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.
COSA is also making fans available to seniors at all COSA-funded senior centers and at COSA's Baldwin Tower office in Eddystone. To inquire about obtaining a free fan, call COSA at (610) 490-1300. Residents can also visit the COSA website at DelCOSA.Org.
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
Protect Children and Pets
Never leave children or pets in vehicles, even for a few minutes
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
