With a dangerous heat wave expected across the Philadelphia region this week, it's important to know where to find help. Forecasts call for temperatures near or above 100°F with heat index values as high as 105–111°F through the July 4 holiday.
📍Philadelphia Resources
Cooling Centers
The City of Philadelphia opens official cooling centers whenever a Heat Health Emergency is declared. These include:
- Recreation centers
- Public libraries
- Senior centers
- Select community centers
The City updates locations daily.
Cooling Center Map:
2026 Philadelphia Cooling Center Map
Philadelphia Heatline
If you're concerned about yourself, a family member, or a neighbor:
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) Heatline
- 215-765-9040
- Nurses answer heat-related medical questions.
- You can also report concerns about vulnerable older adults.
Philadelphia 311
Call 311 for:
- Cooling center locations
- Homeless outreach
- City services
- Recreation center information
Public Pools & Spraygrounds
Philadelphia has opened dozens of outdoor pools and spraygrounds to help residents cool off.
Examples include:
- John B. Kelly Pool
- Hunting Pool
Most city pools are free during the summer.
Air-Conditioned Public Places
If you don't have air conditioning, spend several hours in:
- Free Library branches
- Recreation centers
- Shopping malls
- Community centers
- Senior centers
Many of these become designated cooling sites during emergencies.
Assistance for Older Adults
The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging provides:
- Wellness checks
- Heatline assistance
- Referrals to cooling centers
- Support for older adults during heat emergencies.
Help for People Experiencing Homelessness
When Philadelphia declares a Code Red:
- Outreach teams actively search for vulnerable individuals.
- Transportation to shelter is available.
- Additional shelter beds are opened.
If you see someone in distress outdoors, call 311 (or 911 if it is a medical emergency).
Utility Assistance
The Energy Coordinating Agency can help residents with:
- Utility assistance
- Weatherization
- Energy-saving programs
- Home cooling resources
📍 Bucks County
Cooling centers typically open during Excessive Heat Warnings.
Common locations include:
- Bensalem Senior Citizens Association
- Bristol Borough Senior Center
- Bristol Township Senior Center
- Morrisville Senior Service Center
- Fairless Hills YMCA
- Warminster YMCA
- Quakertown Masonic Lodge
- Riegelsville Borough Hall
For assistance:
- Bucks County Emergency Management
- Dial 211 for transportation, shelter, and social services.
📍 Montgomery County
During Code Red heat emergencies:
- County libraries
- Senior centers
- Municipal buildings
- Community centers serve as cooling centers.
Residents should also:
- Call 211
- Contact local township emergency management offices for the nearest location.
📍 Delaware County (PA)
Resources include:
- County Cooling Center network
- 24-hour Heat Information Line: 610-872-1558
- Senior services can help provide fans and wellness checks.
- Libraries and senior centers often serve as cooling locations.
📍 Chester County
Resources include:
- Cooling centers throughout the county
- Splash pads
- Public pools
- Seniors needing assistance can contact the Department of Aging:
- 610-344-6350
- Anyone experiencing homelessness can call 211 for transportation to cooling centers or shelter.
🌡️ South Jersey
Camden County
When temperatures become dangerous, Camden County activates a Code Red Heat Alert.
Available resources include:
- County cooling centers
- Public libraries
- Senior centers
- Municipal buildings
- Emergency shelters
Residents may also:
- Call 211 New Jersey
- Contact Camden County Office of Emergency Management
- Call 911 for heat-related medical emergencies.
📍Burlington County
Resources include:
- County libraries
- Senior centers
- Municipal cooling centers
- Burlington County Office of Emergency Management
Call 211 NJ for assistance locating the nearest center.
📍Gloucester County
Residents can access:
- County cooling centers
- Public libraries
- Municipal buildings
- Senior centers
Information is available through:
- Gloucester County Emergency Management
- 211 NJ
📍Mercer County
Resources include:
- Mercer County libraries
- Community centers
- Senior centers
- Municipal emergency cooling locations
Call 211 NJ for current locations.
📍🇩🇪 Northern Delaware
Wilmington / New Castle County
Cooling resources include:
- Wilmington Public Library
- New Castle County libraries
- Community centers
- Senior centers
- State Service Centers
Call:
- Delaware 211
- 302-255-9875 (Delaware 211)
Transportation assistance may also be available through Delaware 211 during declared heat emergencies.