PHILADELPHIA — After four days in a Heat Health Emergency, the Health Department will be ending the alert at 8 p.m. this evening, which will stop the City emergency heat programs. That means that the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s (PCA) Heatline, special extended hours at cooling centers, and home visits by special field teams will not be continuing.
The Health Department reminds Philadelphians that it is still hot out and that heat can still be dangerous.
“Thanks to the collective work of multiple City agencies, community partners, and the residents of Philadelphia, I am happy to report that, as of this morning, we have not lost anyone to the record-breaking heat that we experienced,” said Dr. Palak Raval-Nelson, Health Commissioner, PDPH. “Just because we’re past the worst of it doesn’t mean we’re out of the woods just yet. It will still be hot out, and we need to stay vigilant to help protect our most vulnerable Philadelphians. Take advantage of air conditioning where you can, drink plenty of water, and please check on your elderly family members, neighbors, and other loved ones.”
People who do not have air conditioning are advised to seek relief from the heat by visiting friends or relatives who have air conditioning or businesses or organizations that are open to the public. While the special extended cooling center hours have ended, Free Library locations throughout the city are still open and have air conditioning. Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s Older Adult Centers all also have air conditioning.
Residents are also encouraged to visit any of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s spraygrounds and pools.
Even though the Heat Health Emergency is over, the City continues to encourage all Philadelphians to check in with friends, neighbors, relatives, and other loved ones to make sure that they are safe from the heat.
The Department of Public Health recommends that to avoid heat-related illness, Philadelphians of all ages should do the following.
- Use air conditioners. If necessary, go to an air-conditioned location for several hours during the hottest parts of the day.
- If using a fan, be sure to open windows to release trapped hot air.
- Drink plenty of liquids, especially water, to prevent dehydration. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Never leave older people, children, or pets alone in cars.
- Those taking regular medication should consult with their physician. Some medications cause an adverse reaction in hot weather.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Avoid, as much as possible, 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.
- Maintain a normal diet.
- Shower or bathe in water that is near skin temperature.
- Cover all exposed skin with an SPF sunscreen (15 or above). Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and head. Apply sunscreen under your mask to protect your face.
The early warning signs of heat stress are decreased energy, 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. City hospitals are ready and available to accept patients who need help.
Call 911 immediately if you have or you see others with serious signs of heat stress, including unconsciousness, rapid heartbeat, throbbing headache, dry skin, chest pain, mental confusion, irritability, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps, staggering, 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.