Seniors can pick up free fans to beat heat at these sites

A n article appearing the Times on June 21 article gave an incorrect list of COSA-funded senior centers where Delaware County seniors can pick up free cooling fans. The correct list of sites is: • Chester Senior Center, 721 Hayes St., Chester, 610-497-3550

• Surrey at Hometown, 302 S. Jackson St., Media, 610-566-0505

• Friendship Circle Senior Center, 1515 Lansdowne Ave., Darby, 610-237-6222

• Schoolhouse Senior Center, 600 Swarthmore Ave., Folsom, 610-237-8100

• Good Neighbor Senior Center, 1085 Hook Road, Sharon Hill, 610586-8170

• Wayne Senior Center, 108 Station Road, Wayne, 610-688-6246

• Surrey at Havertown, 1105 Earlington Road, Havertown, 610446-2070

• Upper Darby Senior Center, 326 Watkins Ave., Upper Darby, 610-734-7652 and 734-7655.

The fan distribution — 250 purchased by COSA and 100 donated by PECO — is part of the Heat Plan from County Council, COSA and the Office of Adult and Family Services.

Residents are urged to visit the county’s website to read the 2018 Heat Plan and learn about the resources the county provides. Residents should take precautions during heat waves and high humidity, to check in with the elderly and disabled family members and neighbors who are at greater risk for heat-related illnesses.

COSA’s Heat Plan includes a Heat Information Line, extended hours at Senior Centers, and educational information on heat safety tips, dehydration, and safe use of fans.

The Delaware County Heat Plan calls for senior centers and adult day care centers to extend their hours, to offer water and non-caffeinated beverages throughout the day, and to reinforce with serviceprovider drivers to check on consumers. Care managers are asked to identify “at risk” consumers who are homebound, living alone or have a prior history of inadequate cooling in their home.

It is also important to remember the safety of pets during the warmer, more humid months as animals respond differently to heat and are unable to cool themselves due to increased humidity. Pets should have adequate water and shade.

On any day when temperatures reach 90-degrees, it is especially important for young children and older adults, as well as people who have heart and breathing problems or are on certain medications, to pay close attention to what they are doing and how they feel during hot and humid weather.

People need to drink before they feel thirsty and if someone experiences signs of heat exhaustion, drinking water is not enough to reverse the symptoms. Individuals might need medical help.

COSA’s Heat Information Line at 610-872-1558 is a recorded 24hour phone service that runs through Sept. 30, providing residents with heat advisory updates and information. People who need additional assistance can contact a COSA’s Information and Assistance service at 610-490-1300. For information and to read the county heat plan, visit http://www. co.delaware.pa.us/heatinfo/HeatPlan2018.pdf