This text is about a Heat Health Emergency declared by the Philadelphia Health Department in response to aggressive temperatures in the city. The emergency measures include opening 150 cooling centers, extending hours of public swimming pools, spray grounds, and facilities for seniors, and temporarily shutting off water pipes. The text advises residents to use air conditioners or visit air-conditioned locations, drink plenty of fluids, avoid caffeine and alcohol, never leave the elderly, children, or pets alone in the car, and wear light, light-colored clothing. It also recommends avoiding working or playing in the hot sun, maintaining a normal diet, showering or bathing in water that is approximately the temperature of the skin, covering exposed skin with sunscreen, and wearing a wide-brimmed hat.This text is about a Heat Health Emergency declared by the Philadelphia Health Department in response to aggressive temperatures in the city. The emergency measures include opening 150 cooling centers, extending hours of public swimming pools, spray grounds, and facilities for seniors, and temporarily shutting off water pipes. The text advises residents to use air conditioners or visit air-conditioned locations, drink plenty of fluids, avoid caffeine and alcohol, never leave the elderly, children, or pets alone in the car, and wear light, light-colored clothing. It also recommends avoiding working or playing in the hot sun, maintaining a normal diet, showering or bathing in water that is approximately the temperature of the skin, covering exposed skin with sunscreen, and wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — The Philadelphia Health Department has declared a Heat Health Emergency in response to aggressive temperatures in the city. The emergency will remain in effect through Wednesday evening, unless the weather persists.
This week, temperatures will be between 35 and 37 degrees with perceived temperatures between 41 and 43 degrees Celsius.
To combat the heat, the city is rolling out its Heat Health Emergency measures to ensure everyone stays cool and safe this week. That means 150 cooling centers are open daily for anyone who needs assistance.
In addition, many people have longer opening hours public swimming pools, spray grounds and facilities for seniors.
Water pipes will also be temporarily shut off until the public health emergency is over.
Seniors, young children and people with chronic medical conditions are among the many at-risk groups during heat-related health emergencies. Mayor Cherelle Parker said it’s more important than ever for neighbors to check in on each other.
“Check on your elderly neighbors. Make sure they’re safe. If we look after each other, we’ll get through this heat wave together,” Parker said.
The Department of Public Health said that knowing the signs of heat related illness can save lives.
“If you are concerned about someone’s health during the emergency, you can call the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s Heatline at 215-765-9040,” Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Frank Franklin advised.
The Department of Public Health advises all Philadelphia residents to:
- Use air conditioners. If necessary, go to an air-conditioned location for a few hours during the hottest hours of the day. If you visit a public place with air conditioning, remember to wear a mask when you are indoors.
- If you use a fan, make sure to open the windows to let the warm air escape.
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to prevent dehydration. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
- Never leave the elderly, children or pets alone in the car.
- People who regularly take medicines should consult their doctor. Some medicines cause a side effect in hot weather.
- Wear light, light-colored clothing.
- Avoid working or playing in the hot sun or other hot places as much as possible, especially during peak sun hours from 11am to 4pm.
- Maintain a normal diet.
- Shower or bathe in water that is approximately the temperature of your skin.
- Cover all exposed skin with an SPF sunscreen (15 or higher). Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and head. Apply sunscreen under your mask to protect your face.
By CBS Philadelphia intern Olivia Dunne
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