The City of Philadelphia’s Health Department has declared a heat health emergency for Monday, July 20 due to an expected high heat index. The city will be opening sites where Philadelphians can cool off safely, including libraries, schools, SEPTA buses, and spraygrounds.

In West Philadelphia, Haddington Library at 446 North 65th Street will be open to all residents from 1 to 5 p.m. on Monday. West Philadelphia High School at 49th and Chestnut Streets will also be open from 1 to 5 p.m. to everyone who wants to cool off. Visitors to both places will be required to abide by social distancing guidelines and wear a mask while inside. 

The city is also working with SEPTA to make air-conditioned buses available for folks to drop in to cool off.  The normal SEPTA social distancing and masking rules will be in force on these buses. The buses are expected to be open between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Monday, July 20. In West Philly, there will be a stationary cooling bus parked at 52nd and Larchwood.

For more information on public spraygrounds, go here.

Also, check out the City’s blog post about staying cool during COVID-19.