Here's where you can find cooling centers and relief from the Delaware summer heat

With this summer on track to be hottest on record , many Delawareans are seeking new ways to stay cool.

Community cooling centers can help provide residents access to air conditioning and water and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses, according a government study

And, with temperatures slated to rise, many centers in Delaware are opening their doors to help others find relief from extreme heat.

Here's where you can find cooling centers in the First State:

Get prepared: Heat wave: What to know when extreme hot weather is forecasted

Places of worship launch cooling initiative

The Delaware Interfaith Power & Light in Rehoboth Beach collaborates with churches and the Gerard J. Mahone Climate Change Science and Policy Hub at the University of Delaware to operate three community cooling centers in New Castle County.

After launching a pilot program at the Salem United Methodist Church in Newark last summer, the Delaware Interfaith expanded its efforts with additional support from by ChristianaCare’s Community Investment Fund.

According to a description of the initiative, with these cooling centers, Delaware Interfaith aims to “provide a haven where individuals can find solace in the face of extreme weather,” as well as a safe and accessible space for those seeking refuge amid rising heat.

“With the anticipated increase in these events due to a warming planet, establishing a growing network of cooling centers across Delaware, is crucial,” John D. Sykes, president and founder of the organization, said in a statement to The News Journal. “Many houses of faith and other public facilities with cooling capabilities are ideal for expanding our cooling network [and] increasing accessibility for those in need.”

For Apostle John T. Graham, having a cooling center at Temple United Church in Wilmington not only means helping fellow community members seek relief from extreme heat but also allows them to provide additional resources to residents in need.

“I’ve always believed that when it comes to the church in the community, it should be for the community,” Graham, pastor and founder of Temple United, said.

For Pastor Sharee Dorsett, the cooling center at the City of Love Church in Wilmington is “a no-judgment zone,” where all people can come and find solace, and where the church can find and incorporate new ways of better connecting with and helping others.

“What we’re trying to provide for the community is, especially being a local community church, is tearing down those walls,” Dorsett said. “We only exist for the community, to be honest.”

The cooling center at Temple Church United is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. In addition to AC, water will also be provided. Snacks will also be available as of July 29th.

The church also provides brochures and additional resources for further assistance for heat relief, housing and childcare.

The center at City of Love will be open from noon to 5 p.m. during periods of extreme heat. Light snacks, meals – including hot dogs, sausages and chicken – water and access to restrooms are also available. There is also a nurse on site to help provide medical assistance and additional resources.

Donations of bread, hot dogs and sausages are also encouraged.

Salem UMC will also be open during periods of extreme heat from 1 to 5 p.m. for elderly residents and those with chronic health conditions. Children and teens will not be allowed. Cold water and snacks will be provided.

Centers provide community space to cool down

The Friendship House Empowerment Center also provides space for residents to keep out of the heat.

According to executive director Kim Eppehimer, these spaces will be open at least six days during the week to help residents cool off and will continue to post on social media when residents can expect heat warnings.

The Friendship House Empowerment Center in Wilmington is open Mondays through Fridays from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 1 to 5 p.m. from July to August. In addition to AC and restroom access, water and snacks will also be provided.

The center in Newark is open Mondays through Fridays from 1 to 4 p.m. from July to August.

Additional locations under Friendship House include Dover, which is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Middletown, which is open from Mondays to Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Donations for items including bottled water, sunscreen and socks are also welcome.

Heat relief made available at home

The First State Community Action Agency, Inc . also offers residents at-home relief from extreme heat.

Through the Summer Cooling Assistance Program , the agency provides energy-efficient AC window units to eligible homes across New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties, including elderly residents, those with disabilities or chronic illness and families with young children.

According to executive director Bernice Edwards, this program was designed to “help alleviate some of the barriers these individuals have” in keeping cool.

“To those individuals…they have an opportunity to stay in the home and also get that cooling that’s needed,” Edwards said.

The Summer Cooling program operates from April to September. Applications are open all year round.

For those interested, additional information is available online and over the phone.

For those who have had access to AC units but require further assistance, information is available at (800) 372-2240.

Across the state: Another sweltering week is coming. Here's how to stay cool in Sussex County

More cooling centers available

The Delaware Resilience Hub Cooling Center in Wilmington , located at The Resurrection Center, is also open from noon to 5 p.m. when temperatures outside reach 95 degrees or above. Water, snacks and lunch will be provided.

There are also fifteen available Delaware State Services centers across the First State. This includes locations in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties, as well as two in Milford.

The Living Grace Worship Cathedral in Middletown is set to function as a cooling center during the Peach Festival on August 17 ^th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

As of now, the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services in Wilmington is also offering free electric fans for city senior residents.

However, according to a press release , it is advised that residents should not use electric fans when the temperature outdoors reaches higher than 95 degrees, as doing so can lead to an increased risk of heat-related illness.

For additional resources and information, reach out to Delaware 211 .

More: What are the hottest days ever-recorded in Delaware? National Weather Service data answers

What is extreme heat?

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, extreme heat is often defined as a two-to-three-day period of “high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees,” often from mid-July to mid-August.

In the First State alone, communities have faced many days of extreme heat this summer, with temperatures reaching record-breaking highs in mid-June and a recent excessive heat warning this past weekend.

Why is extreme heat dangerous?

Extreme heat has become the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States, causing significant damage to infrastructure and leading to natural disasters like droughts and wildfires.

For many, rising temperatures, low humidity and poor air quality have become the norm – and have become even more dangerous.

Extreme heat also significantly affects person’s health , specifically in their ability to self-regulate their internal temperature and cool down. A loss of control can often lead to serious illness, including heatstroke, heat exhaustion and hyperthermia.

Extreme temperatures can also worsen pre-existing conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and respiratory illness.

Those who are most at risk to extreme heat include, but not limited to, children, older adults, people with disabilities, communities of color, people experiencing homelessness and low-income neighborhoods, according to the National Integrated Heat Health Information System.

What are the best ways to avoid extreme heat?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heat-related illnesses are preventable , and it is recommended that people become familiar with symptoms and what to do if they or a loved one show signs of illness.

The CDC also states that the best way to protect yourself and others from the effects of extreme heat is to keep cool, stay hydrated, and keep informed on how to help.

To keep cool, wear sunscreen and lightweight clothing and limit your time outside.

If possible, find and stay in a well-ventilated, air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, call your local health department hotline for available heat-relief or cooling centers in your area – or, if there’s none available, a public space like a nearby library or shopping mall will also work.

Young children should also be kept out of direct sunlight – and should never be left unattended in a parked car .

Along with keeping hydrated, older adults should plan to give a trusted family member, friend or neighbor access to their home emergency plan.

For indoor and outdoor workers , employers are strongly encouraged to create and implement a heat plan that effectively controls heat risk and prevents related illnesses.

For pets and support animals, be sure they have plenty of fresh water to drink, and have access to cool, shady spaces.

Related: What is SPF? How to find the best sunscreen, prevent sunburns

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Here's where you can find cooling centers and relief from the Delaware summer heat