GEORGETOWN, Del. - Sussex County has announced a network of public cooling stations to help people stay safe during a heat wave.
The extreme heat warning, issued by the National Weather Service, is in effect until 8 p.m. June 25. According to CoastTV meteorologists, temperatures are forecast to be in the mid to upper 90s, with heat index values between 100 and 110 degrees across most inland areas Monday afternoon and evening.
In response, the county announced Monday that several air-conditioned public buildings, including libraries and the County Administration Building in Georgetown, will serve as designated cooling locations. Free bottled water will be provided, and Sussex County paramedics will be making rounds to answer any health-related questions as time permits.
Here are some of the locations available:
County Administration Building, 2 The Circle, Georgetown — open 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday
Greenwood Library, 100 Mill St., Greenwood — open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday
Milton Library, 121 Union St., Milton — open 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday
South Coastal Library, 43 Kent Ave., Bethany Beach — open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday
A full list of locations and a map of cooling stations is available online.
The county urges people to limit outdoor activities and drink plenty of water. Those who must be outside should take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors.
Heat safety tips include:
Wear light-colored, breathable clothing
Stay in well-ventilated or air-conditioned spaces
Avoid alcohol and drink water regularly
Watch for signs of heat-related illness such as nausea, cramps or dizziness
Check in on older neighbors and those with health issues
Ensure pets have cool shelter and water
The county is also calling on the public to help conserve electricity to prevent power outages. With air conditioners working overtime, demand on the grid is expected to spike.