The weather forecast for summer is calling for the heat to come on strong in June, with the Northeast sweltering under a series of heat waves through August.

Delaware County Council wants residents to know that the county’s Heat Plan is in place. Both the Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) and the county Office of Adult and Family Services offer assistance to elderly and vulnerable residents throughout the summer months.

“We all love the summer, but it’s important for our residents – particularly the elderly, very young, and those with health challenges – to say cool, stay hydrated, and stay informed,” said County Councilman John McBlain, the liaison to COSA. “The fact is heat can kill or cause heat stroke or heat exhaustion.”

McBlain urged residents to visit the county website to read the Heat Plan and check out the resources. He said residents should take precautions during a heat wave, and to check in with elderly and disabled family members and neighbors who are at greater risk for heat-related illnesses.

The National Weather Service describes a heat wave as three or more days when the temperature is 90 degrees or higher.

COSA’s Heat Plan includes a Heat Information Line, extended hours at Senior Centers, and educational information on heat safety tips, dehydration, and safe use of fans. The first shipment of fans arrived at COSA last Monday, the first day of summer. COSA purchased some of the fans and 100 were donated by PECO. The fans were then delivered to the county’s eight senior centers for distribution to seniors needing cooling assistance.

“A fan might not seem like a big help, but air flow helps the body evaporate sweat and cool down,” McBlain said. “Creating air flow is important. We want to thank Ralph Brown, PECO’s external affairs manager for Delaware County, for PECO’s generous donation to our seniors.”