Provided by the County of Bucks:
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for the Philadelphia region, including much of Bucks County, from Wednesday through Sunday.
In response, the Bucks County Commissioners have arranged for six senior centers to extend their hours until 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (July 17-19) as a respite from the dangerous heat and humidity. Four of those centers also will be open for significant portions of the upcoming weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, the watch will be in effect from Wednesday morning through Sunday evening. During that period, high temperatures are expected to reach the low to mid-90s, with the highest heat index values expected Saturday.
A threat of heavy rain on Wednesday night into Thursday may result in flooding across eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
The Bucks County Area Agency on Aging reminds seniors that extreme hot weather can cause serious heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Although everyone should take precautions, seniors are especially vulnerable to the effects of the heat.
People are urged to remain indoors with air conditioning or in a ventilated room with a fan. Unless restricted, all should drink plenty of water and/or non-alcoholic beverages to prevent dehydration. Minimize time spent outdoors and stay out of the sun whenever possible.
Those who do not have air conditioning and who are able to travel may go to public places that have air conditioning, such as malls and libraries. At no time should children or pets be left in cars; the heat can prove deadly in very little time.
The public is encouraged to check frequently on elderly neighbors, friends and family members. Symptoms of a heat injury may include faintness, dizziness, nausea, weakness and heavy sweating. For more information on symptoms and treatment related to the elderly, please visit this web page of the Centers for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/older-adults-heat.html
As in any emergency, call 911 when necessary. Fans may be available through the Area Agency on Aging for residents 60 and over who do not have a fan or air conditioner. The elderly also may call 267-880-5700 for help during this period of extreme heat.
Following is the current schedule of senior centers offering with extended hours over the coming days:
Bensalem Senior Center
1850 Byberry Road
Bensalem, PA 19020
Phone: 215-638-7720
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (July 17, 18 and 19): 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Bristol Borough Area Active Adult Center
301 Wood Street
Bristol, PA 19007
Phone: 215-788-9238
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (July 17, 18 and 19): 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday (July 20, 21) 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Bristol Township Senior Center
2501 Bath Road
Bristol, PA 19007
Phone: 215-785-6322
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (July 17, 18 and 19): 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday (July 20, 21): 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Morrisville Senior Center
31 E. Cleveland Ave.
Morrisville, PA 19067
Phone: 215-295-0567
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (July 17, 18, 19): 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ben Wilson Senior Center
580 Delmont Ave.
Warminster, PA 18974
Phone: 215-672-8380
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (July 17, 18, 19): 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday (July 20, 21): 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Upper Bucks Senior Center
Milford Square Fire Co. Social Hall
2183 Milford Square Pike
Quakertown, PA 18951
Phone: 215-536-3066
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (July 17, 18, 19): 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday (July 21): Noon to 5 p.m.
For more information or assistance, please call the Bucks County Area Agency on Aging at 267-880-5700 on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
General information on preventing heat-related injuries also is available through the Bucks County Health Department information pages at: http://www.buckscounty.org/government/healthservices/HealthDepartment/HeatRelatedIllness
