City of Camden prepares for upcoming heat wave with opening of spray pools, senior watch program
CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS) -- While carrying cases of bottled water, Camden County police went door-to-door Friday checking in on seniors as potentially dangerous temperatures head our way.
"This means a lot to us because you guys are taking care of the residents here and this is a big help as well too," said Jose Class.
Police also delivered box fans to several homes in Camden, which was a bit of relief for Class and his mom, who said their air conditioner was broken.
"This is very dangerous weather, especially for the elderly people and people who suffer from asthma," Class said.
Officers were out in the neighborhoods as part of the department's Senior Watch and Community Outreach Program.
"There's been several instances where we do go out and knock on doors and we notice that it's very, very hot because they can't sometimes open the windows, or they're afraid to," said Capt. Vivian Coley with Camden County police.
As part of the program, officers make sure air is circulating inside the seniors' homes and make sure they're staying hydrated.
Jimmie Lamar is one of the 45 seniors in the city who signed up for the program. He said he's a summer man, but appreciates the officers checking in on him.
"I can't put no number on it, it's good help. I need this help, beautiful help," Lamar said.
"The seniors are extremely grateful. Some of them live alone and they love the company. They always want to talk when we come out so they're just extremely happy that the police department cares," Coley said.
Any senior who wants to join the program can call 856-757-7570.
While Camden County police check on seniors, the city of Camden is making preparations to ensure residents of all ages are staying cool as the Delaware Valley gets ready for next week's impending heat wave.
Camden will open two large pools in July and officials plan to announce the exact date for the openings at the beginning of next month.
However, until the pools are open for the season, Camden's Department of Public Works has opened spray pools for residents ahead of this weekend's high temperatures.
The spray pools will be open from noon to 8 p.m. Here's a list of spray pools in Camden to keep cool this weekend and on any hot days leading up to the city's pool openings.
- 4th & Jasper Sts. – Liney Ditch Park
- 4th & Washington Sts. – Washington Street Park
- 7th & Clinton Sts. – Clinton Street Park
- 9th & Ferry Ave. – Elijah Perry Park
- 30th & Fremont Sts. – Alberta Woods Park
- Park & Baird Blvd. – Farnham Park
- 6th & Erie Sts. – Pyne Poynt Park
- 28th & Mitchell Sts. – Ralph Williams Park
- Morgan St. – Reverend Evers Park
On extremely hot days when a Code Red is issued by the Camden County Health Officer, the city will activate the following cooling centers to prevent any health risks posed by the weather:
- Cramer Hill Community Center located at 1035 Reeves Avenue | 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday (Capacity 150)
- North Camden Community Center located at 6th Street & Eerie Avenue | 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday (Capacity 200)
- Martin Luther King Community Center located at 1151 Haddon Avenue | 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday (Capacity 30)
- Malandra Hall Community Center located at 1200 South Merrimac Road |8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday (Capacity 150)
- Isabel Miller Community Center located at 8th Street & Carl Miller Boulevard| 8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday (Capacity125)