This year’s first Heat Health Emergency has been declared in Philadelphia due to forecast heat index values. The heat emergency is scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. on Thursday, July 21 and end at 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 21. It may be extended if the forecast worsens.

A declaration of a Heat Health Emergency activates the City’s heat emergency programs, which include the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s (PCA) Heatline, cooling centers, home visits by special field teams, enhanced daytime outreach for people experiencing homelessness, and the City’s reminder to the public to safely check on older friends, relatives, and neighbors from a distance.

The following cooling sites will be open in West Philadelphia during the heat emergency:

Lucien E. Blackwell Regional Library 
125 South 52nd Street
215-685-7431
Open until 7 p.m.

Blanche A. Nixon Cobbs Creek Library 
5800 Cobbs Creek Parkway
215-685-1973
Open until 8 p.m.

Haddington Library 
446 North 65th Street
215-685-1970
Open until 7 p.m.

Residents are also encouraged to visit the Parks and Recreation Department’s spraygrounds.

If you see someone on the street who needs help you can call (215) 232-1984. Please call 911 if there is a medical emergency.

Additional pet safety measures are enforced by Philadelphia’s Animal Care & Control Team during a heat emergency (owners can face a $500 fine if they don’t follow ACCT Philly’s requirements.

For more information and resources on the Heatline, cooling centers, health, and ways to keep cool, click here.