When intense heat hits the Delaware Valley, it’s important to find ways to stay cool.
Whether you’re living in the city or the surrounding suburbs, health experts say it’s important to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged exposure to the heat when temperatures soar.
To keep yourself and your loved ones safe in the heat, here’s a look at where you can find cooling centers across Philadelphia, Montgomery, Delaware and Chester counties.
Philadelphia
In the city, dozens of libraries, pools, spraygrounds and senior centers are open during extreme heat events as cooling centers.
A map posted on the city’s website shows you where you can find cooling centers near you.
Since the start of June, more than a dozen Philadelphia pools have opened for the season, though the following pools will not reopen in 2025:
- 12th & Cambria Pool
- Amos Pool
- Baker Pool
- Cecil B. Moore Pool
- Cohen (Hillside) Pool
- McVeigh Pool
- Myers Pool
- Sample Pool
- Ziehler Pool
Bucks County
A number of cooling centers open across Bucks County when an excessive heat warning is issued.
It’s important to check during each excessive heat warning to confirm if all cooling centers are open, but the following locations are included in the county’s cooling center list:
- Bensalem Senior Citizens Association
- Bristol Borough Senior Center
- Bristol Township Senior Center
- Morrisville Senior Service Center
- YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties – Fairless Hills Branch
- YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties – Warminster Branch
- Quakertown Masonic Lodge
- Riegelsville Borough Hall
Chester County
In Chester County, people experiencing homelessness and in need of a cooling center should call 2-1-1. Seniors who need help during extreme heat can call the Department of Aging at 610-344-6350.
The county has several splash pads that residents can use to stay cool:
Delaware County
In Delaware County, the Health Department has issued its 2025 Extreme Heat Plan detailing how the county plans to protect the health and safety of its residents.
Residents in need of assistance can call the 24-hour phone service for Delaware County Health Department’s Wellness Line at (484) 276–2100 or online.
Seniors are also able to contact the County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) by phone (610-490-1300) or online (DelCOSA.Org) about getting a free fan to use during hot months.
Montgomery County
Cooling programs are offered at more than 45 locations around the county.
During a Code Red Hot Weather Emergency, the Montco Senior Adult Activities Center, located at 526 George Street in Norristown, is open as a cooling center.
In Pottstown, the Pottstown Regional Public Library, located at 500 East High Street, and the TriCounty Active Adult Center, located at 288 Moser Road, are also open during extreme heat events.
New Jersey
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection maintains Chill Out NJ, a map of cooling centers and spots with plenty of shade.
Tap the link above to check out the map. If you’re on mobile, there will be another link to click once you’re on the Chill Out NJ site to display the mobile version of the map.
Beat the heat tips from health officials
Health officials say some other ways you can stay safe and avoid heat exhaustion and heatstroke while prioritizing your health include:
- Hydrate and drink plenty of fluids
- Try to wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
- Wide-brimmed hats and umbrellas are good for shade coverage
- If you do find yourself outside, take it slow and rest in a cool, shaded area
- If you’re at home and don’t have air conditioning, try cooling off at a shopping mall, library or senior center.
- Know the difference between heatstroke and heat exhaustion
Heat safety
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