Eligible City seniors can obtain FREE fans today through Thursday; City spray parks are open and “Hicks” Anderson Center is available as a cooling station

Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki and Emergency Management Director Willie Patrick today reminded residents that the U.S. National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Wilmington, Delaware, for today, Tuesday, June 18, beginning at 10:00 a.m. and continuing until Wednesday, June 19, at 6:00 a.m. This will be followed by an Excessive Heat Watch, from 6:00 a.m. Wednesday through 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 22. Excessive heat impacts may continue into Sunday, June 23, according to the Weather Service.

 A Heat Advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is expected. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible. The National Weather Service predicts heat index values up to 98 degrees Fahrenheit during the day Tuesday. An Excessive Heat Watch means that dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit are possible. The excessive heat and humidity can cause heat stress during outside exertion or extended exposure.
 
“Summer will be off to an especially hot and potentially dangerous start this year,” said Mayor Purzycki. “Please be safe and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself, your family and your pets from the heat.”  
 
Free Electric Fans
The Mayor also reminded eligible senior Wilmington residents that the Office of Constituent Services will continue to distribute FREE electric fans Tuesdays through Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Seniors should come in person to the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services, located on the 7^th floor of the Redding Government Building at 800 North French Street. Fans are given out on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
 
FREE fan guidelines include:  

• Recipients MUST live within City of Wilmington limits and be 65 years of age or older, and
• Recipients also must show proof of age and residency with a valid state ID and cannot have received a FREE fan in 2023

Residents are advised NOT to use an electric fan when the temperature outside is higher than 95 degrees Fahrenheit, however, because this can increase the risk of heat-related illness. While fans create air flow, they can also provide a false sense of comfort which does not actually reduce body temperature.
 
Spray Parks, Cooling Stations Open
Parks Director Ian Smith reminds residents City spray parks are now OPEN, though swimming pools won’t open until Monday, June 24. For more information and a complete schedule for pools and spray parks, please visit the City of Wilmington website. Also, the William “Hicks” Anderson Community Center, at 501 North Madison Street, will be open as a cooling center this week from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Additional cooling centers in the City of Wilmington include: 

• The Resurrection Center, located at 3301 North Market Street, is open today from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. and for the rest of this week as an optional cooling center as needed. The center will provide cold water, lunch, snacks, and climate related resources for all.
• Friendship House Empowerment Center, located at 720 North Orange Street
• Temple United Church, located at 602 Washington Street
• Glory Central Church, located at 2200 North Market Street
• Delaware State Service Centers are available to meet excess demand. For a list of the 15 centers statewide and their locations, click here. For additional state resources, please contact Delaware 211. 

Tips for Keeping Safe in Extreme Heat
Wilmington residents and visitors are encouraged to remember these 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 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.

Paul Ford Jr.
Director of Communications
City of Wilmington, Office of the Mayor
Phone: (302) 576-2111
Email: plford@wilmingtonde.gov