As Bucks County grapples with soaring temperatures, officials have stepped up to offer residents relief in the form of cooling centers open across the region. These centers are a vital resource for those wishing to escape the stifling heat forecasted to linger from Monday through Wednesday, in response to the Excessive Heat Warning issued for the area.
The announcement, detailed in an alert on the Bucks County website, outlines the schedule and locations of the designated cooling centers, including senior centers and branches of the YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties; these facilities will provide a temperature-controlled environment during the highest periods of heat, when the mercury is set to soar well into the 90-degree range for several consecutive days, these centers will be a welcome haven.
Among the listed centers is the Bensalem Senior Citizens Association, located at 1850 Byberry Road in Bensalem, where locals can cool down from 9 AM to 6 PM. Additionally, the Bristol Borough Senior Center at 301 Wood Street and the Bristol Township Senior Center at 2501 Bath Road will both operate with the same hours of 9 AM to 6 PM.
YMCA branches are also partaking in this community effort, opening their doors early from 5 AM to 9 AM and then again in the afternoon from 4 PM to 9 PM, these hours reflecting the need to provide respite during the peak heat hours, which are often in the late afternoon and early evening, seniors, families, and individuals without adequate cooling at home will find the YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties - Fairless Hills Branch at 601 S. Oxford Valley Road and the Warminster Branch at 624 York Road ready to welcome them.
Additional cooling center options include the Morrisville Senior Service Center, Riegelsville Borough Hall, and the Quakertown Masonic Lodge, although it is important to note that the latter location does not accommodate children, animals (even service animals), and is not handicap accessible; meanwhile, for all cooling center locations and hours, residents can refer to the official county announcement or check local municipality resources.
Officials from Bucks County Emergency Services encourage more municipal entities and nonprofit agencies to get involved in offering cooling center spaces, particularly as heat waves become increasingly common. Those interested in participating can contact the Bucks County Emergency Services directly. For more information or urgent inquiries, the media contact for this initiative is James O'Malley, reachable at 215-348-6414 or via email at [email protected].
