Officials declared a Heat Health Emergency on Sunday, June 22, which will continue through Wednesday, June 25.
Temperatures are expected to hit 99 degrees on Monday and 102 on Tuesday in Philadelphia, according to the National Weather Service.
A declaration of a Heat Health Emergency activates the City’s emergency heat programs, which include the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s (PCA) Heatline, cooling centers, home visits by special field teams and enhanced daytime outreach for people experiencing homelessness. Health officials urge the public to check on older friends, relatives, and neighbors as well.
“The Health Department declares a Heat Health Emergency when the temperature gets high enough that vulnerable people – especially our elderly neighbors and family members – are at an increased risk of getting sick or dying from the heat,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson. “The best way to protect our loved ones is to make sure they can get into air conditioning during the hottest part of the day. As always, we encourage Philadelphians to check on elderly friends and neighbors to make sure they’re safe and don’t need assistance.”
Heatline open
The PCA Heatline (215-765-9040) will be open between noon and 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, and 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday — hours and days of operation may be extended if the Heat Health Emergency is extended. City Health Department nurses will be available to speak with callers about medical problems related to the heat.
Cooling centers offer relief
The City will be opening a variety of alternate cooling sites that will be available for use by all Philadelphia residents looking to escape the heat. Cooling centers will operate with special hours from Sunday, June 22 through Wednesday, June 25. Cooling Center locations and hours may change if the Heat Health Emergency is extended.
Residents can find all Cooling Centers online or by calling 311.
Pools and spraygrounds are open
Residents are also encouraged to visit spraygrounds and pools. Pools will be offering free swim during open hours for the duration of the Heat Health Emergency.
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s older adult centers will also be open. Older Adult Centers all have air conditioning and are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Outreach efforts
The Office of Homeless Services also declared a Code Red. Philadelphians are encouraged to call the outreach team at 215-232-1984 if you see someone on the street who needs shelter or other homeless services. Call 911 if there is a medical emergency.
The Department of Public Health recommends that to avoid heat-related illness, Philadelphians of all ages should use air conditioners, drink plenty of liquids, especially water, and avoid working or playing in the hot sun or other hot areas, especially during the sun’s peak hours of 11 a.m. through 4 p.m.
Early warning signs of heat stress include sluggishness, slight loss of appetite, faintness, lightheadedness and nausea. People experiencing these symptoms should go to a cool environment, drink fluids, remove excess clothing and rest. If there is no improvement, call a doctor or 911.
Call 911 immediately if you have or you see others with serious signs of heat stress, including unconsciousness, rapid heartbeat, throbbing headache, chest pain, mental confusion, vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. People experiencing these symptoms should get immediate medical attention. While waiting for help, move the person to a cool area, remove excess clothing, spray with water, and fan the person.
More information about heat health emergencies and what residents can do to stay safe can be found online at phila.gov.
