Cumberland County, NJ (July 24, 2020) Among the many things the COVID-19 pandemic has affected is the availability of air conditioned public spaces providing relief from the summer heat. In the past, the Cumberland County Office of Aging and Disabled has coordinated the availability of cooling centers throughout the county. According to Cumberland County Freeholder Carol Musso, “COVID-19 protocols requiring social distancing, disinfection and restricting the number of people able to occupy a building have substantially limited the availability of cooling centers.” Musso added, “If additional cooling centers become available, we will provide that information to the public.”
Due to the lack of cooling centers, the Office of the Aging and Disabled has acquired a supply of fans to distribute to those who qualify. Seniors who are residents of Cumberland County can call the Office of Aging and Disabled at 856-453-2220 to apply. If approved, the Department will schedule a time for the fan to be picked up or, for those without transportation, alternate arrangements will be made to deliver the fan.
In addition, for seniors with medical conditions making them particularly vulnerable to the heat, the Office of Aging and Disabled will coordinate with PRAC of SNJ to assess the senior’s need, purchase and install a window air conditioning unit. The unit will also be removed in the fall and stored until the following summer to prevent heat loss over the winter months.
Homelessness is particularly difficult in extreme weather conditions. Residents experiencing homelessness can call 211 or 877-652-1148 at any time for assistance in securing a safe place to spend the night. Freeholder Musso stated, “Cumberland County works in partnership with state and local agencies as well as private non-profit organizations to provide resources to access the needs of people experiencing homelessness.” Musso concluded, “In these very difficult times we are working to keep our most vulnerable residents healthy and safe.”