Excessive Heat Warning in Effect
June 28, 2021
Electric fans are available for City seniors; City pools and spray parks are open for everyone
Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki and the City’s Emergency Management Director Willie Patrick remind citizens that the National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning [forecast.weather.gov] for New Castle County effective today, Monday, June 28, and continuing until Wednesday, June 30 at 8 p.m.
An Excessive Heat Warning means that a prolonged period of dangerously hot temperatures will occur. The combination of heat and high humidity will lead to dangerously hot conditions across much of the region and heat-related illnesses are likely, especially for the elderly and people with preexisting conditions.
“The summer season can produce dangerously high temperatures,” said Mayor Purzycki. “Be safe and take precautions to protect yourself and your family – including pets – from the heat.”
Photo By Saquan Stimpson
City Pools and Spray Parks
Parks Director Ian Smith said today that most City pools and spray parks are now open with COVID-19 health protocols in place. For information about the City’s public swimming pools and spray parks, please contact the Department of Parks and Recreation at (302) 576-3810 or visit www.WilmingtonDE.gov/citypools.
Electric Fans
The Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services is distributing FREE electric fans for eligible senior citizens to help them cope with the summer’s higher temperatures. City residents who want a free fan must bring a photo ID showing proof of age and address to the lobby of the Louis L. Redding City/County Building, 800 North French Street, Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. For additional information, call the City Customer Service Center by dialing 311. To be eligible for a fan in 2021, a person must be at least 65 years old and live within the City. If a person has received a fan from the Constituent Services Office in the past year, they are not eligible for the program.
Tips for Keeping Safe in Extreme Heat
•Make a special effort to check on neighbors, especially if they are seniors, families with young children, people with special needs, or those living alone.
•Never leave children, the elderly or pets unattended in a parked car under ANY circumstances, not even for a few minutes. Brain damage or death can occur from the rapid rise of temperature inside of a vehicle in a matter of minutes.
•Drink plenty of water; 1 to 1-1/2 quarts daily is recommended to prevent dehydration. Fruit juices and juice drinks are also good choices. Avoid alcohol and caffeine since they dehydrate the body.
•Wear loose, lightweight and light-colored clothing. If you must go outside during the hottest part of the day, wear a hat wide enough to protect your face. While outdoors, rest frequently in a shady area.
•Avoid overexertion and strenuous outdoor activities. Take extra precautions if you must work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening hours and take frequent rest breaks.
•Stay in an air-conditioned environment if possible. Find places in your community where you can get cool, such as libraries, shopping malls and community centers.
•Know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses [cdc.gov] such as heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat stroke. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency, so call 9-1-1 immediately.
More heat-related tips can be found on the City of Wilmington website here.