A heat advisory is in effect for our area beginning Aug. 28 at noon. Extreme heat and humidity are expected through Aug. 30, resulting in Heat Wave #4 of the season. Temperatures will be in the 90s but will feel hotter with the heat index reaching 100-105 degrees. It will be oppressively humid and an Air Quality Alert is in effect as well for sensitive groups including young children and seniors and anyone suffering from asthma and various heart and lung conditions.
Delaware Council reminds residents of the county's Heat Plan which includes tips and resources the county offers to help vulnerable residents, particularly the elderly, stay safe during the hot summer season. Both the Office of Services for the Aging and the county Office of Adult and Family Services offer assistance to elderly and vulnerable residents throughout the summer.
“It’s important for our residents, particularly the elderly, young children and those with health challenges to say cool, stay hydrated and stay informed,” said Delaware County Council Chairman John P. McBlain. “The fact is that heat is dangerous, and it can kill, or cause heat stroke or heat exhaustion.”
Residents are urged to visit the county’s website to read the 2018 Heat Plan and learn about the resources the county provides. Residents should take precautions during heat waves and high humidity, to check in with the elderly and disabled family members and neighbors who are at greater risk for heat-related illnesses.
COSA’s Heat Plan includes a Heat Information Line, extended hours at Senior Centers, and educational information on heat safety tips, dehydration, and safe use of fans. In the beginning of the summer, COSA purchased 250 cooling fans and 100 were donated by PECO, which were delivered to the county’s eight senior centers for distribution to seniors needing cooling assistance. Seniors interested in receiving a free fan can contact COSA at 610-490-1300.
The Delaware County Heat Plan calls for senior centers and adult day care centers to extend their hours, to offer water and non-caffeinated beverages throughout the day, and to reinforce with service-provider drivers to check on consumers. Care managers are asked to identify “at risk” consumers who are homebound, living alone or have a prior history of inadequate cooling in their home.
It is also important to remember the safety of pets during the warmer, more humid months as animals respond differently to heat. "It's not just the ambient temperature but also the humidity that can affect your pet," said McBlain. “If the humidity is too high, they are unable to cool themselves, and their temperature will skyrocket to dangerous levels—very quickly. Please also remember to not leave anyone in a car, including your pets and make sure they have plenty of water and shade.”
On any day when temperatures reach 90-degrees, it is especially important for young children and older adults, as well as people who have heart and breathing problems or are on certain medications, to pay close attention to what they are doing and how they feel during hot and humid weather.
People need to drink before they feel thirsty and if someone experiences signs of heat exhaustion, drinking water is not enough to reverse the symptoms. Individuals might need medical help.
COSA’s Heat Information Line at 610-872-1558 is a recorded 24-hour phone service that runs June 1 through Sept. 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. For more information, and to read the county heat plan, visit http://www.co.delaware.pa.us/heatinfo/HeatPlan2018.pdf
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