Sussex County officials are urging residents and visitors to take the upcoming heat wave seriously, as forecasters warn of a dangerous stretch of hot weather set to arrive just in time for the Fourth of July holiday.
Beginning Wednesday, July 1, a punishing heat wave is expected to settle over Sussex County and much of the eastern United States, with temperatures projected to climb above 100 degrees. When humidity is factored in, the heat index could soar as high as 115 degrees — making this the hottest holiday weekend of the summer so far. The National Weather Service has placed the area under an extreme heat watch through Independence Day. While scattered showers and thunderstorms may offer brief moments of relief, the oppressive heat and humidity could stick around into early next week.
To help people cope with the extreme conditions, Sussex County announced Tuesday that a number of air-conditioned facilities will serve as cooling stations from July 1 through July 5. Normally, county buildings including libraries are available during regular business hours throughout the summer as cooling spots, but the long holiday weekend means most public offices will be closed. To fill that gap, the County Administrative Offices building on The Circle in Georgetown will remain open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
Several library branches will also be open on a limited basis during the heat emergency. The Greenwood Library at 100 Mill St. in Greenwood and the Milton Library at 121 Union St. in Milton will both be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, then closed Friday through Sunday. The South Coastal Library at 43 Kent Ave. in Bethany Beach will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, then closed the rest of the weekend.
The State of Delaware has also announced cooling stations at select state facilities. For more details, call 2-1-1 or check the state’s website.
Sussex County EMS will nearly double its staffing levels during the holiday period. Paramedics will make routine stops at county cooling facilities, as schedules allow, to field any heat-related questions or concerns. Free individual bottles of water will also be available at these locations. Anyone visiting a cooling station is encouraged to bring any needed medications or specialty items.
County officials are advising everyone to limit time outdoors, especially between roughly 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., when temperatures will be at their peak. County Emergency Managers are also strongly encouraging organizers of Fourth of July events to keep a close eye on the forecast and consider rescheduling activities to cooler parts of the day. Anyone who must be outside during the hottest hours should take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water.
Hot Weather Safety Tips:
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, since lighter fabrics reflect sunlight rather than absorbing heat. Stay in well-ventilated areas and avoid physically demanding activity during the hottest hours of the day. Drink plenty of water and steer clear of alcoholic beverages.
Know the warning signs of heat-related illness. Heat cramps can cause muscle pain and spasms during heavy exertion — resting somewhere cooler, sipping water, and gently stretching the affected muscle can help. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are far more serious. Heat exhaustion may cause a pale or flushed face, headache, and nausea. Heat stroke symptoms include a rapidly rising body temperature, loss of consciousness, a rapid or weak pulse, and quick, shallow breathing. Seek medical attention immediately if heat stroke is suspected.
Check in on friends, family, and neighbors — especially the elderly and young children — who may be more vulnerable to extreme heat. Don’t forget pets: give them extra water, provide shade, or bring them inside where it’s cooler.
Conserving Electricity During the Heat Wave:
With temperatures expected to spike, electricity demand will rise sharply. Sussex County Emergency Management is asking all residents and businesses to help prevent power outages by conserving energy wherever possible.
At home, set air conditioners to 80 degrees or use fans as an alternative, and try to limit how often you open the refrigerator or freezer. Turn off water heaters and non-essential appliances and lights. Hold off on running high-energy appliances like washing machines and dryers until after 8 p.m. Opt for light meals that require little cooking — an outdoor grill or microwave uses far less energy than an electric range. Keep blinds, shades, and drapes closed during the hottest part of the day to block out sunlight. Move lamps, televisions, and other heat-generating items away from air conditioner thermostats, since the heat they emit can cause the AC to run longer than needed. Also make sure furniture and other objects aren’t blocking central air conditioning vents, so cool air can flow freely through your home.
Businesses can do their part by raising thermostats slightly and switching off any lighting or equipment that isn’t necessary.
Sussex County is also reminding residents to take advantage of the county’s free Smart911 service by creating a safety profile for their household. These profiles give first responders potentially life-saving details in an emergency, including property information, special medical needs, and family contacts. Visit www.smart911.com to sign up.
Sussex County Emergency Management will continue tracking the situation and will release updates as conditions develop. For the latest information, follow the county’s emergency management pages on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SussexCountyPublicSafety and on X at www.x.com/SussexCtyDE_EM.
