In response to forecasted maximum heat indexes over 100, Health Commissioner Thomas Farley issued a Heat Health Emergency in Philadelphia beginning Sunday, July 1, at noon.

A declaration of a Heat Health Emergency by the Health Commissioner 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 the City’s annual reminder to the public to look in on older friends, relatives, and neighbors. 

The Heatline (215-765-9040) will be open Sunday, July 1, from noon through midnight; Monday, July 2, from 8:30 a.m. through midnight; Tuesday, July 3, from 8:30 a.m. through midnight; and Wednesday, July 4, from 8:30 a.m. until 8 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.

Residents are strongly encouraged to visit older friends, relatives and neighbors to ensure that air conditioners or fans are working and homes are adequately ventilated. In a heat wave, the majority of the victims are older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

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.

People who do not have air conditioning are advised to seek relief from the heat by visiting friends or relatives that have air conditioning. The City is also extending hours at air conditioned libraries throughout the city. Branches with extended hours are listed below. Residents can find all of the identified Cooling Centers, as well as pools, spraygrounds, recreation centers, libraries, and older adult centers on this map.

Serious signs of heat stress include 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. In an emergency, dial 911.

The Heat Health Emergency is scheduled to end Wednesday, July 4 at 8 p.m. More information about heat health emergencies and what residents can do to stay safe can be found here.

Library Cooling Centers and Hours

Monday, July 2, 2018

• Blanche A. Nixon Cobbs Creek Library, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Widener Library, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Fumo Family Branch, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Haddington Library, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Oak Lane Library, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Logan Library, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Lillian Marrero Library, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Tuesday, July 3

• Joseph E. Coleman Regional Library, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Blanche A. Nixon Cobbs Creek Library, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Lucien E. Blackwell Regional Library, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Widener Library, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Fumo Family Branch, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Haddington Library, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Oak Lane Library, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Logan Library, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Lillian Marrero Library, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.