City pools and spray parks will be open and the city is given away fans to senior citizens to help residents cope with the excessive heat warning issued for Monday through Wednesday by the National Weather Service.
An Excessive Heat Warning means that a prolonged period of dangerously hot temperatures and high humidity will lead to dangerously hot conditions and heat-related illnesses are likely, especially for the elderly and people with preexisting conditions.
The high today in the Wilmington area is expected to be 91 degrees (low of 73), on Tuesday it’s 95 (low of 74) and Wednesday it’s 95 (low of 75). The weather is expected to break toward the end of the week, but also bring thunderstorms and rain through the weekend.
“The summer season can produce dangerously high temperatures,” said Mayor Mike Purzycki. “Be safe and take precautions to protect yourself and your family – including pets – from the heat.”
The pool and spray park schedule is at www.WilmingtonDE.gov/citypools.
Free fans can be picked up at in 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. Residents must be at least 65 and live within the city. For more information, call the City Customer Service Center by dialing 311.
The city offered these tips for keeping yourself and others safe during hot weather:
- 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 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.
Betsy Price is a Wilmington freelance writer who has 40 years of experience, including 15 at The News Journal in Delaware.
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