Last Updated: January 8, 2026
DELAWARE COUNTY'S 2025 COLD PLAN
Delaware County’s Cold Plan helps coordinate communications and responses during Code Blue events in the county and includes resources to help residents cope with colder temperatures.
PRINTABLE COLD INFORMATION AND FLYERS:
- 2025 Delaware County Cold Plan
- Avoid - Spot - Treat: Frostbite & Hypothermia
- EXTREME COLD: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety
- Keeping Pets Safe During Cold Temperatures
- Be Prepared this Season for Winter Weather! Emergencies and Indoor Air Quality
Delaware County’s Cold Plan is a county-wide strategy that addresses winter conditions and identifies resources available to community members, especially vulnerable populations and unsheltered residents. The Delaware County Cold Plan addresses the actions of county agencies in response to cold weather events such as activating overflow shelter beds, expanding outreach, and providing education.
Residents may read the 2025 Delaware County Cold Plan to learn about the resources the County provides and are also welcome to reach out to the Delaware County Health Department’s Wellness Line at (484) 276-2100 or DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us for information about the cold and wellness. Residents should take precautions during cold weather conditions including dressing in layers, limiting time spent outdoors, and checking in with elderly and disabled family members and neighbors who are at greater risk for cold-related illnesses.
STAY WARM INDOORS
Upon the announcement of a Delaware County Code Blue alert, Delaware County residents are urged to seek heating indoors at home or in public spaces, such as libraries, senior centers, and malls if needed. Please call or check social media for operating hours at these locations. Click here for a map of warming centers in Delaware County. (https://dcpd.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/nearby/index.html?appid=348260dc2a7e4d4799173a5cf2121e4c&sliderDistance=2)
Cold-related illnesses including hypothermia and frostbite are possible when an individual is outdoors and is exposed to low temperatures. Exposure to the cold can impact blood flow within the body and impacts the functionality of the brain. Limiting time outdoors is critical in staying safe and heathy during the winter season.
To stay warm, use space heaters strategically. Keep space heaters away from flammable materials and avoid using extension cords to power your space heater. Remember to unplug the space heater after usage.
DRESS APPROPRIATELY
During cold weather conditions and winter storms, try to stay indoors and limit time outside. During cold weather conditions, infants lose body heat faster than adults. When traveling outdoors ensure you are dressed in loose-fitting layers, and wearing additional clothing such as a hat, gloves, a scarf, or boots. Wearing a water-resistant coat can protect the body from rain and snow. Avoid wetness, as wet clothes chill the body. Pay attention to your body – seek indoor spaces if you begin to shiver
CHECK ON OTHERS
Be mindful of friends, neighbors, older adults, and individuals without shelter as they are more vulnerable to the cold. A quick check-in can make a significant difference.
People who need additional assistance for individuals aged 60 or older can contact COSA’s Information and Assistance services at (610) 490-1300. Residents can also visit the COSA website https://delcopa.gov/cosa for more information.
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
Department of Human Services provides a range of resources from emergency sheltering to homeless prevention programs. Residents can visit the links below to access information and resources available to Delaware County community members.
Department of Human Services - https://delcopa.gov/human-services
Adult and Family Services - https://delcopa.gov/human-services/adult-and-family-service
Homeless Services Coalition - https://delcohomelessservices.org/
MENTAL HEALTH PARTNERSHIPS
During periods of cold weather, the Mental Health Partnerships (MHP) Outreach Team circulates frequented areas in Delaware County with the goal of placing individuals in need of shelter at a warm facility. The MHP Outreach Team can be contacted by calling (267) 671-4357. This number is available 24/7.
SENIOR CENTERS
Chester Senior Center
721 Hayes Street
Chester, PA 19013
610-497-3550
Friendship Circle Senior Center
1515 Lansdowne Avenue
Darby, PA 19023
East Campus of Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital
610-237-6222
Good Neighbor Senior Center
1085 Hook Road
Darby Township, PA 19079
610-586-8170
Schoolhouse Senior Center
600 Swarthmore Avenue
Folsom, PA 19033
610-237-8100 ext. 30
Surrey Broomall Senior Center
505 Parkway Drive
Broomall, PA 19008
Surrey Media Senior Center
105 North Providence Road
Media, PA 19063
Upper Darby Senior Center
326 Watkins Avenue
Upper Darby, PA 19082
610-734-7652
Wayne Senior Center
108 Station Road
Wayne, PA 19087
(610) 688-6246
LIBRARIES
Click this link for the locations and routine operating hours of Delaware County libraries.
SIGN UP TO RECEIVE EMERGENCY ALERTS
Residents can register for the Delco Alert emergency notification system to receive communications regarding weather emergencies by texting HealthyDelco to 888-777 or by using the online link: https://member.everbridge.net/453003085612334/new.
To receive Code Blue notifications, residents are encouraged to add the following to their subscriptions:
- County of Delaware - Emergency Preparedness
- County of Delaware - Delaware County Health Department
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
