(Smyrna, DE) – This afternoon, the National Weather Service has upgraded the heat advisory to an “Extreme Heat Warning” for all three counties, starting from today, July 1st, through July 4th. The hottest weather is expected on Thursday and Friday.

An Extreme Heat Warning is issued when dangerous heat is occurring or imminent. This advisory should be taken seriously, and preparations should be made now.

The State of Delaware is closely monitoring the weather as we approach the Fourth of July weekend and is working with our local county partners to ensure our communities are prepared. As such, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Health and Social Services are sharing important information on how individuals can best prepare and assist the most vulnerable.

Heat Safety

• Monitor the weather projections from the National Weather Service and local news agencies.
• Practice Heat Safety measures including:
  • Staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol, and considering beverages with electrolytes.
  • Take breaks in the shade as often as possible
  • Check on the elderly and those without air conditioning.
  • Limit strenuous outdoor activities.
  • Understand the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
  • Use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) every two hours.
  • Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing.

Those at the highest risk:

• Young children and infants are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses and death, as their bodies are less able to adapt to heat than adults.
• Older adults, particularly those who have pre-existing medical conditions, take certain medications, are living alone or have limited mobility may experience multiple heat related health impacts.
• People with chronic medical conditions are more likely to have a serious health problem during a heat wave than healthy people.
• Pregnant women are also at higher risk. Extreme heat events have been associated with adverse birth outcomes such as low birth weight, preterm birth, and infant mortality.

Knowing the Signs of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Heat Exhaustion:

• Dizziness
• Extreme thirst
• Heavy sweating
• Nausea
• Weakness

Heat exhaustion can quickly lead to heat stroke. It is recommended to act fast by moving to a cooler area, loosening tight clothing, sipping cool water, and seeking medical help if symptoms do not improve.

Heat Stroke:

• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Loss of Consciousness

Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given. Call 911, move the person to a cooler area, loosen tight clothing, and slowly cool with water and ice.

Cooling Centers

The Department of Health and Social Services has opened several cooling centers throughout the state. The State cooling centers will be open until July 2nd from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, unless otherwise noted. Additional local resources may be made available and will be shared as information becomes available.  Additional local resources may be made available and will be shared via the county platforms linked in the “Heat-Related Resources” section below

New Castle County Cooling Centers

• Claymont State Service Center, 3301 Green Street, Claymont, DE
• DHSS Canby Park Office, 1920 Maryland Avenue, Wilmington, DE
• Churchman’s Corporate Center, 84 Christiana Road, New Castle, DE
• Hudson State Service Center, 501 Ogletown Road, Newark, DE
  • Open until 6 pm on July 1st

Kent County Cooling Centers

• Smyrna State Service Center, 100 Sunnyside Road, Smyrna, DE
• Williams State Service Center, 805 River Road, Dover, DE
  • Open until 6 pm on July 1st

Sussex County Cooling Centers

• Adams State Service Center, 546 Bedford Street, Georgetown, DE
  • Open until 6 pm on July 1st
• Bridgeville State Service Center, 400 Mill Street, Bridgeville, DE
• Laurel State Service Center, 31039 North Poplar Street, Laurel, DE
• Milford State Service Center, 13 South West Front Street, Milford, DE
• Shipley State Service Center, 350 Virginia Avenue, Seaford, DE

Animal Heat-Related Safety

Essential Heat Precautions

• Provide shade and water — Pets should have access to cool, shaded areas and fresh water at all times. The safest place during excessive heat is indoors.
• Follow excessive heat warnings — Dogs may not be left outdoors during a National Weather Service excessive heat warning.
• Avoid leaving pets unattended outside — Overheating, entanglement, or injury can happen quickly when no one is present.
• Never leave pets in vehicles — Even mild temperatures can become dangerous. A car can reach nearly 90ºF in 10 minutes when it’s only 70ºF outside. Call Delaware Animal Services at 302-255-4646 or 911 if you see an unattended pet in a hot vehicle.

Walking Dogs Safely

• Choose cooler times of day — Early morning or late evening walks reduce heat exposure.
• Check pavement temperature — If the surface is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for paws.

Signs of Heat Stroke

• Watch for symptoms — Excessive panting, drooling, weakness, collapse, or unsteadiness can indicate heat stroke. Severe cases may include seizures or bloody diarrhea.
• Seek immediate veterinary care — Heat stroke is life-threatening and requires urgent attention.

Special Considerations

• Flat faced breeds — Dogs like Pugs and Bulldogs overheat more easily and should remain in air-conditioned spaces during warm weather.

For more information, visit animalservices.delaware.gov or the AVMA’s warm weather pet safety guidance.

Heat-Related Resources

Additional information and guidance for extreme heat preparedness can be found at:

1. National Integrated Heat Health Information System = Heat.gov
2. Prepare Delaware = PrepareDE.org
3. The National Weather Service’s Heat Safety and Resources = Weather.gov/safety/heat
4. New Castle County Office of Emergency Management’s Facebook
5. City of Wilmington Office of Emergency Management’s Facebook
6. Kent County Department of Public Safety’s Facebook
7. Sussex County Emergency Management’s Facebook

The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is the lead state agency for coordination of comprehensive emergency preparedness, training, response, recovery, and mitigation services to save lives, protect Delaware’s economic base, and reduce the impact of emergencies. DEMA is a division within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) and authorized by Delaware Code. The Department of Health and Social Services is the lead state agency providing essential services to improve the quality of life for Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, foster self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

Follow Us: Delaware Emergency Management Agency is on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

The Department of Health and Social Services is on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

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