Berks County seniors are being encouraged to seek relief from the ongoing heat wave by visiting local senior centers that are serving as cooling sites during normal business hours.
According to the Berks County Area Agency on Aging, the county’s senior centers offer air-conditioned spaces where older adults can cool down, stay hydrated, and access staff support as dangerously high temperatures and heat index values continue across the region.
“Our senior centers are safe, comfortable, air-conditioned spaces where older adults can cool down, stay hydrated, and connect with others,” said Katie Cathmark, deputy director for the agency. “Extreme heat can be particularly dangerous for older adults, and no one should feel they have to face this weather alone. Staying cool is not just about comfort; it’s about safety. We encourage everyone to help spread the word and make sure vulnerable residents know they have a place to go.”
The designated cooling locations include Berks Encore Centers in Douglassville, Fleetwood, Shillington, Reading, Strausstown and Wernersville, as well as Casa de la Amistad in Reading and The Center at Spring Street in Boyertown.
During regular business hours, visitors can access climate-controlled indoor spaces, drinking water and hydration stations, social activities, staff support, and information about heat safety resources and assistance programs.
The agency noted that prolonged periods of extreme heat significantly increase the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, especially when overnight temperatures remain elevated. Older adults, people with chronic health conditions, and those without reliable access to air conditioning are considered particularly vulnerable.
County officials encourage residents to visit a local senior center if they need relief from the heat, stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, and check on older neighbors, relatives and other vulnerable community members.
The Area Agency on Aging is also distributing free fans to Berks County residents age 60 and older. Fans can be picked up at the agency’s office at 400 E. Wyomissing Blvd. in Mohnton.
Anyone seeking additional information or assistance can contact the Berks County Area Agency on Aging at 610-478-6500.
Berks County Senior Centers
BERKS ENCORE CENTERS
- Douglassville – 2144 Weavertown Rd, Douglassville, PA, 19518
- Fleetwood – 14432 Kutztown Rd, Fleetwood, PA, 19522
- Mifflin – 30 Liberty Street, Shillington, PA, 19607
- Reading – 40 North 9th Street, Reading,, PA 19601
- Strausstown – 44 East Avenue, Strausstown, PA, 19559
- Wernersville – 350 Sportsman Rd, Wernersville State Hospital, Wernersville, PA, 19565
CASA DE LA AMISTAD
- 25 North 2nd Street, Reading, PA, 19601
THE CENTER AT SPRING STREET
- 200 West Spring Street, Boyertown, PA, 19512