WILMINGTON, DE - Mayor John Carney and Emergency Management Director Willie Patrick are reminding residents that the U.S. National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Wilmington and New Castle County continuing through Wednesday, July 30, at 8:00 p.m. This advisory signifies a high risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. The heat index is expected to reach up to 104°F.
Spray Parks, Pools, and Cooling Stations are open:
Parks Director Melody Phillips confirms that all City swimming pools and spray parks are open and available to the public. Residents can find the full summer pool and spray park schedule at WilmingtonDE.gov . For more information, call (302) 571-4266.
Cooling Centers in Wilmington include:
- Delaware Resilience Hub at The Resurrection Center [wilmingtonde.us9.list-manage.com]
3301 North Market Street
Offers water, lunch, snacks, and climate resources. Call (302) 420-1819 for more information.
- Friendship House Empowerment Center [wilmingtonde.us9.list-manage.com]
720 North Orange Street
Air conditioning, water, and snacks will be provided. Call (302) 652-8033 or email rashita.lewis@friendshiphousede.org.
- Friendship House Saturday Hospitality: First & Central Presbyterian Church. 1101 North Market Street. For more information, contact (302) 544-0164 or email rashita.lewis@friendshiphousede.org.
- Temple United Church [wilmingtonde.us9.list-manage.com]
602 North Washington Street
For more information, contact (302) 571-8596 or email tucone333apostle@aol.com.
- City of Love Church
226 North Walnut Street
Air conditioning, water, and snacks will be provided. For more information, contact (302) 781-0367 or email cityoflovepa@gmail.com.
- Delaware State Service Centers
Available statewide to meet increased demand. Visit Delaware.gov [wilmingtonde.us9.list-manage.com] or call Delaware 2-1-1 for a full list of locations.
Please note: Cooling centers will be open in accordance with their availability and staffing. Residents are urged to call to ensure the location is open.
Free Electric Fan Distribution for Seniors [wilmingtonde.us9.list-manage.com]
Mayor Carney also reminds eligible senior residents of Wilmington that the Office of Constituent Services continues distributing FREE electric fans on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the 7th floor of the Redding Government Building, 800 North French Street.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be 65 years or older
- Must live within City of Wilmington limits
- Must provide valid ID for proof of age and residency
- Must not have received a fan in 2024
- One fan per household while supplies last
Please Note: Fans should not be used when temperatures exceed 95°F, as they may worsen heat-related health risks by creating a false sense of cooling.
Heat Safety Tips
Residents and visitors are urged to follow these safety tips to protect themselves and others:
- Check on vulnerable neighbors, including seniors, people with disabilities, and families with small children.
- Never leave children, seniors, or pets in parked cars—temperatures can become deadly within minutes.
- Drink plenty of fluids—prefer water and fruit juices, and avoid alcohol and caffeine.
- Wear loose, light-colored clothing and protect your head and face with a hat if outdoors.
- Reschedule strenuous activities to the early morning or evening, and take frequent breaks in shade.
- Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces when possible—visit libraries, malls, or community centers.
- Know the signs of heat-related illness, including exhaustion, cramps, or heat stroke. Call 9-1-1 immediately in an emergency.
Stay informed, stay cool, and stay safe. Visit WilmingtonDE.gov [wilmingtonde.us9.list-manage.com] for real-time updates, pool schedules, and a full list of cooling station locations across the city.
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