The first heat health emergency of 2019 has been issued in Philadelphia due to extremely high temperatures (maximum heat indexes over 110 are forecasted for the region this week). The Health Emergency began Wednesday, July 17, at noon and is scheduled to end Sunday, July 21, at 11 p.m.
A declaration of a Heat Health Emergency activates the City’s emergency heat programs, including the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s Heatline, extended hours at select Free Library locations that have been designated as Cooling Centers, home visits by special field teams, enhanced daytime outreach for the homeless, and a reminder from the City to the public to look in on older friends, relatives, and neighbors.
The Heatline (215-765-9040) will be open Wednesday, July 17, from noon through midnight; Thursday, July 18, from 8:30 a.m. through midnight; Friday, July 19, from 8:30 a.m. through midnight; Saturday, July 20, from 8:30 a.m. through midnight, and Sunday, July 21, from 8:30 a.m. until 11 p.m., when the emergency declaration ends. The public is encouraged to call if they have questions about precautions they can take against the heat and detecting signs of heat stress. City Health Department nurses will be on-site to speak with callers about medical problems related to the heat.
Groups at risk in the extreme heat include people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, small children, those who work in a high heat environment, and persons engaged in strenuous physical activity.
The City is extending hours at air-conditioned libraries throughout the city. Here is information on West Philadelphia branches with extended hours for Wednesday, July 17:
• Blanche A. Nixon Cobbs Creek Library: 12pm-8pm
• Lucien E. Blackwell Regional Library: 12pm-8pm
• Haddington Library: 10am-7pm
For more information on what happens when the City declares a Heat Health Emergency, go here.
Here are some other important reminders:
Residents should never open fire hydrants as a means to cool off. If you see an open fire hydrant, call @PhillyH2O‘s emergency hotline: 215-685-6300.
Find a public pool, sprayground, or cooling center near you instead ➡️ https://t.co/9ocjgyQtSC pic.twitter.com/1f3vFi9qCa
— City of Philadelphia (@PhiladelphiaGov) July 17, 2019
Stay Alert! Get Alerts! Get free heat and weather warnings from @PhilaOEM direct to your phone or email. Text READYPHILA to 888-777 to sign up. #StayCoolPHL pic.twitter.com/AmjIcmlx84
— City of Philadelphia (@PhiladelphiaGov) July 16, 2019
#StayCoolPHL tip: In hot weather, read prescription labels! Some medications negatively interact with heat. More tips on staying safe in this heat ⬇️ https://t.co/LnJ7cKGSIf
— City of Philadelphia (@PhiladelphiaGov) July 16, 2019
☀️ In times of excessive heat, it is against the law in Philadelphia to leave dogs outside without protection from the sun. Violators put their pets in grave danger and may face a $500 fine. Keep your family and pets safe ➡️ https://t.co/4ykKCe75S2 #StayCoolPHL pic.twitter.com/p8EEik74z1
— City of Philadelphia (@PhiladelphiaGov) July 16, 2019
🔴 CODE RED! Starting tomorrow, all public pools will operate on a free swim schedule until further notice. Use our finder to locate your nearest pool ➡️ https://t.co/ueshdox4H6 pic.twitter.com/s3Rcr5HONk
— Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (@PhilaParkandRec) July 15, 2019
Hot weather can be especially dangerous for people living on the street. If you see someone who needs shelter or other homeless services, call 215-232-1984 to request outreach anytime. #StayCoolPHL pic.twitter.com/d3U5B60fss
— City of Philadelphia (@PhiladelphiaGov) July 15, 2019
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