Community Corner

With Heat Rising, County Opening Cooling Centers

Gloucester County is offering relief from the oppressive heat today.

With the mercury expected to top out near 100 today, Gloucester County will have cooling centers open countywide to offer residents some relief from the oppressive heat and humidity.

While mostly targeted at senior citizens, young children and those on medication–the groups most in danger in a heat wave–the cooling centers will be open to anyone who needs them.

“The elderly are one of the most vulnerable groups for health problems when the weather turns hot,” said Freeholder Director Robert Damminger. “We want our seniors to know there is relief from the heat this summer, and we want them to be safe and not jeopardize their health.”

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And while it won’t be in time for this early heat wave, the county is holding a "Keep Cool" fan distribution on Wednesday, June 15 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Glassboro Senior Center, located at 152 S. Delsea Dr. in Glassboro, and from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Gloucester County Senior Services Offices, located at 115 Budd Blvd. in West Deptford.

The Gloucester County Department of Health also has information on its website about how to avoid health complications from excessive heat.

Find out what's happening in West Deptfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Cooling Centers include Gloucester County libraries and the following nutrition sites:


Firehouse Road
Thorofare, NJ 08086
(856) 853-6496

Mantua Township Community Center 
111 Mercer Ave. 
Mantua, NJ 08080
(856) 468-4773

Glassboro Senior Center
152 S. Delsea Dr. 
Glassboro, NJ 08028
(856) 881-6610

Pfeiffer Community Center
301 Blue Bell Street
Williamstown, NJ 08094
(856) 728-1140

Franklin Community Center
1584 Coles Mill Road
Franklinville, NJ 08322
(856) 694-1413

Second Baptist Church
1534 Pine Street
Paulsboro, NJ 08066
(856) 423-3387

Shady Lane Nursing Home
256 County House Road
Clarksboro
(856) 224-6979

To avoid health complications from high temperatures:

  • Drink plenty of water or other non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Make sure children and the elderly are drinking water, and ensure that persons with mobility problems have adequate fluids in easy reach.
  • If you do not have air conditioning, spend time in air-conditioned places such as libraries, movies, malls or other public buildings during the hottest hours of the day.
  • Wear loose and light-colored clothing.  Wear a hat when outdoors.
  • Reduce physical activity or reschedule it for cooler times of the day.
  • Don't leave children, a frail, elderly or disabled person, or pets in an enclosed car–not even for a minute–as temperatures can quickly climb to dangerous levels.
  • Talk to your health care provider about any medicine or drugs you are taking. Certain medications–such as tranquilizers and drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease–can increase the risk of heat-related illness.


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