Heat Wave Relief: Philadelphia's Cooling Centers Activated and Water Shut-offs Temporarily Halted on Sunday
As a scorching heat wave sweeps across the Philadelphia region, city officials are taking proactive steps to ensure the safety of its residents. The forecast predicts temperatures reaching up to 100 degrees on Monday and Tuesday, with the heat index forecast to reach a potentially dangerous 107 degrees on Monday afternoon. In response, the city has declared a Heat Health Emergency, which will last until Wednesday evening, or longer if the forecast worsens.
To combat the extreme heat, the city's Office of Homeless Services has declared a Code Red, activating the city's emergency housing network. All available beds within the network will be opened during Code Red events to provide shelter for those in need. In addition, 24-hour outreach will be implemented to find and transport homeless individuals to safe indoor spaces. Those experiencing homelessness can contact the city's Homeless Outreach hotline at 215-232-1984 for help during a Code Red.
For those without air conditioning at home, Philadelphia offers cooling centers, libraries, and community centers open extended hours during the heat emergency. These centers provide vital relief from the heat and can be found using the map available online. To stay informed of heat warnings and resources, residents are encouraged to monitor local weather and safety alerts, and sign up for notifications from local government.
During high temperatures, it's crucial to avoid strenuous outdoor activities and take precautions to stay hydrated. If you must be outside, seek shade, rest, and use cool, damp cloths to lower your body temperature. If you see signs of heat stroke in others, seek medical help immediately. While fans can help with evaporative cooling at moderate heat, they can worsen heat buildup and increase the risk of heat-related illnesses if indoor temperatures reach 95°F or higher.
In addition to cooling centers, residents are advised to stay well hydrated, including replenishing electrolytes lost through sweating. It's also important to check on vulnerable populations, such as older adults, people with disabilities, pregnant women, young children, outdoor workers, and those with chronic conditions. Community support and wellness checks can help protect those at higher risk during extreme heat.
Other precautions include avoiding leaving children or pets in vehicles or unventilated spaces during high heat, and visiting public pools, malls, libraries, or other cooler public locations if you lack air conditioning at home.
These combined steps aim to decrease the risk of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and other heat-related illnesses during Philadelphia's dangerous heat wave. The city's Heat Health Emergency activation will also pause Philadelphia Water Department shutoffs and activate cooling centers.
Residents are also encouraged to call the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging's heatline at 215-765-9040 during daytime hours during the Heat Health Emergency for guidance on precautions and to speak with Health Department nurses about heat-related medical problems. By following these guidelines and staying informed, residents can help ensure their safety during this extreme heat event.
- To maintain wellness in the sizzling heat, it's essential to avoid intense outdoor activities and focus on staying hydrated by replenishing electrolytes lost through sweating.
- For those seeking a cool respite from the scorching heat, Philadelphian residents can utilize public pools, malls, libraries, or cooler public locations when air conditioning is lacking at home.
- In the realm of health and wellness, mental health and fitness are equally important during extreme weather. Residents should prioritize self-care, checking on vulnerable populations, and seeking professional help for heat-related medical problems via the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging's heatline.
