PHILADELPHIA — Last night, after two days in a Heat Health Emergency, the Health Department ended the alert, which stopped the City’s special 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 have ended.
The Health Department reminds Philadelphians that it is still hot out, and that heat can still be dangerous.
“Now is not the time to let your guard down,” said Deputy Health Commissioner James Garrow. “With all of the amazing events going on throughout the city this weekend, including the Odunde Festival and Côte d’Ivoire vs. Ecuador FIFA game, it’s important to remember that the heat can still affect you. Drink plenty of water, find some shade outdoors, and take advantage of air conditioning whenever you can. Also, be sure to check on your elderly neighbors and loved ones to make sure they’re still doing well in the heat.”
Who is at risk
Groups that are at higher risk from heat include:
- People who do not have or use air conditioning,
- Older adults,
- People with chronic medical conditions,
- Pregnant women,
- Small children,
- Those who work in high heat environments,
- Those who take certain medications that disrupt the regulation of body temperature,
- Those who use alcohol or drugs, and
- People who are engaged in strenuous physical activity.
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.
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 you visit a public place with air conditioning, remember to wear a mask while inside.
- 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.