Sussex announces cooling stations ahead of heat wave
Sussex County officials have announced that several cooling stations will be designated Monday, July 15, through Wednesday, July 17, as National Weather Service forecasters predict temperatures to soar into the mid- and upper 90s during that period. A slight chance of thunderstorms the middle of the week should provide relief, sending temperatures back to the more seasonable mid- and upper 80s Thursday, July 18.
In anticipation of the hot weather, Sussex County reminds the public that select county facilities are always available as cooling stations in the summer during their regular business hours, offering the public a respite from the heat and humidity. The air-conditioned sites include:
• County Administration Building, 2 The Circle, Georgetown - 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
• Greenwood Library, 100 Mill St., Greenwood - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday
• Milton Library, 121 Union St., Milton - 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday and Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday
• South Coastal Library, 43 Kent Ave., Bethany Beach - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday and Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday.
Sussex County paramedics will make routine stops at these locations, as time permits during the anticipated heat wave, to answer any heat-related questions and/or concerns. Also, free individual servings of bottled water will be available during this period to help the public cool off from the extreme conditions.
People visiting a relief station should always bring any medications and/or specialty items that may be needed.
Residents and visitors are urged to limit exposure outside, particularly during the hottest part of the day – roughly from 1 to 6 p.m. Those who must be outside should take frequent breaks, and drink plenty of water.
It is also important to keep in mind that due to the higher temperatures and humidity expected in the area over the coming days, demand for electricity will increase. In an effort to reduce costs and avoid power shortages, Sussex County Emergency Management asks all residents and business operators in Sussex County to help conserve power to avoid outages.
Sussex County also reminds residents to use this opportunity to create a safety profile for their household and loved ones with the county’s free Smart911 service, which provides potentially critical, life-saving information to first responders in an emergency. Profiles can contain as much or as little information as users want, including details about their properties, special medical conditions and family contacts. Go to smart911.com to get started.
Sussex County Emergency Management will continue to monitor the weather situation and issue updates as needed. For the latest information, follow the county’s emergency management social media channels on Facebook and X at facebook.com/SussexCountyPublicSafety and x.com/SussexCtyDE_EM.
