2006 News

July 31, 2006

In Response to Excessive Heat Warning, Commissioners Announce Extended Senior Center Hours

The Bucks County Board of Commissioners, in conjunction with the county Area Agency on Aging (AAA), has announced extended operating hours for three of its regional senior community centers, Tuesday, Aug. 1 through Thursday, Aug. 3. The move came as a direct response to the Excessive Heat Warning issued by the National Weather Service today. That advisory will be in effect until 8 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 3.

The three senior community centers with extended hours are Bristol Township Senior Community Center in Levittown, the Ben Wilson Community Center in Warminster, and the Upper Bucks Senior Community Center in Quakertown. Those centers, which usually operate from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., will be open an extra four hours, from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. All other centers will remain open during regularly scheduled hours.

“As part of a proactive approach to the anticipated heat emergency, we want to do everything possible to ensure the safety of our senior population,” said Commissioners’ Chairman James F. Cawley, Esq.

The three centers offering extended hours are, respectively:

  • Bristol Twp. Senior Community Center – 2501 Oxford Valley Rd. Levittown, PA 19058 (telephone – 215-785-6322);
  • Ben Wilson Senior Community Center – 580 Delmont Ave., Warminster, PA 18974 (telephone – 215-672-8380);
  • Upper Bucks Senior Citizens Center – 26 N. 4 th St., Quakertown, PA 18951 (telephone – 215-536-3066);

Senior residents who do not have access to transportation to any of the three centers are urged to call Bucks County Transport at 267-221-9297 to arrange a pickup.

For more information about the location of Bucks County’s 13 senior community centers, click here.

In addition, all residents, delivery and other service providers are urged to check on their neighbors. In the event of an emergency, dial 9-1-1 immediately. Furthermore, all residents are advised to stay in well-ventilated rooms, drink large amounts of liquid, wear loose clothing and restrict strenuous activity. Malls, movie theaters and libraries – any facility with functional air-conditioning – are also recommended places of respite.

As an additional public service, the Commissioners advise all Bucks County residents to consider the following suggestions in preparation of power outage emergencies over the hot summer months:

  • WATER SUPPLY : Have ready access to at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least four days. This can be used for drinking, sanitation and pets;
  • FOOD : Have at least a four-day supply of nonperishable food that does not have to be heated. Keep a non-electric can opener on hand;
  • RADIO : Get a small, battery powered radio and a supply of extra batteries to maintain communication about weather updates and emergency directives;
  • FLASHLIGHTS : Have several sets placed conveniently through the house for quick and easy access. Also keep a stockpile of batteries on hand;
  • COMMUNICATIONS : Consider having at least one phone on a land-line that is not dependent on electricity to power its use. A cell phone used strictly for emergencies is another option;
  • PRESCRIPTIONS : If either of your parents take medication to manage a chronic health condition such as diabetes or heart ailment, have at least a week available at all times. This may require talking to a physician in advance;
  • CASH : Residents are urged to have enough cash on hand to arrange for possible evacuation transportation or delivery of services such as groceries or medication;
  • FIRST-AID KIT : Purchase a prepackaged kit that includes a first-aid manual;
  • SANITATION SUPPLIES : Towelettes, prescribed ointments for skins and other personal daily hygiene items should be available for at least three days.