Cooling centers open across Delaware as extreme heat returns
The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services will open a network of air-conditioned cooling centers across the state from Wednesday, July 15, through Friday, July 17, after forecasts called for several days of temperatures topping 90 degrees and dangerous humidity.
The centers will be open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., offering residents a place to cool off, get water and seek relief from prolonged heat. State officials emphasized that the measures are aimed at preventing heat-related illnesses among vulnerable populations, including older adults, young children and people with chronic medical conditions.
"Heat index values up to 108 degrees expected."
The National Weather Service advisory that accompanied the announcement warned of high humidity and urged Delawareans to take precautions: stay hydrated, spend time in air-conditioned spaces, avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest hours, and check on relatives and neighbors.
Where to go
Cooling centers are located in each county. Contact numbers are provided for those who want to confirm hours or ask questions.
| County | Facility | Address / Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Sussex | Adams State Service Center | 546 Bedford St., Georgetown — 302-515-3004 |
| Sussex | Laurel State Service Center | 31039 N. Poplar St., Laurel — 302-875-8402 |
| Sussex | Shipley State Service Center | 350 Virginia Ave., Seaford — 302-628-7000 |
| Kent | Smyrna State Service Center | 100 Sunnyside Road, Smyrna — 302-514-4503 |
| Kent | Williams State Service Center | 805 River Road, Dover — 302-857-5000 |
| New Castle | Claymont State Service Center | 3301 Green St., Claymont — 302-792-6505 |
How to reduce risk during the heat
- Drink plenty of fluids; avoid alcohol and very sugary drinks.
- Stay in an air-conditioned space when possible.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and limit outdoor exertion during midday heat.
- Check on elderly neighbors, infants and people with chronic illnesses.
- If someone shows signs of heat stroke—confusion, loss of consciousness, very high body temperature—call 911 immediately.
The advisory reiterated workplace precautions too, noting that outdoor workers should take frequent breaks in shaded or cooled areas and reschedule strenuous tasks for cooler hours when possible. For those who depend on public transit or outdoor jobs, the cooling centers provide daytime refuge from dangerous conditions.
State and federal guidance stresses rapid response when heat illness appears. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can escalate quickly; moving an affected person to a cool area, providing fluids for someone conscious and calling emergency services for severe symptoms can be lifesaving.
Officials encourage residents to plan ahead over the next several days: know where the nearest cooling center is, keep cell phones charged, and arrange for someone to check on high-risk household members. With heat-index values expected to climb, the cooling centers aim to reduce emergency-room visits and prevent heat-related deaths across Delaware.
