Sussex County offering cooling stations to help public beat the extreme heat

By Glenn Rolfe

GEORGETOWN – With oppressive, potentially dangerous heat and humidity in the forecast early this week, Sussex County is offering its facilities to help the public beat the heat.

County officials on Friday announced that several cooling stations will be designated Monday, July 15, through Wednesday, July 17, as National Weather Service forecasters predict temperatures to soar into the mid- and upper 90s during that period. Forecasted heat indexes are expected to hit well over 100 degrees.

In anticipation of the sizzling weather, select County facilities are always available as cooling stations in the summer during their regular business hours.

The air-conditioned sites include:

• County Administration Building, 2 The Circle, Georgetown, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• Milton Library, 121 Union Street, Milton, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
• Greenwood Library, 100 Mill Street, Greenwood, 10a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
• South Coastal Library, 43 Kent Avenue, Beathany Beach, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday’ 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

Sussex County paramedics will make routine stops at these locations, as time permits during the anticipated heat wave, to answer any heat-related questions and/or concerns.

Also, free, individual servings of bottled water will be available during this period to help the public cool off from the extreme conditions.

Those visiting a relief station are reminded to bring any medications and/or specialty items that you need.

Residents and visitors are urged to limit exposure outside, particularly during the hottest part of the day – roughly from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. Those who must be outside should take frequent breaks, and drink plenty of water.

Staff writer Glenn Rolfe can be reached at grolfe@iniusa.org. Follow @glennrolfeBTBN on X.