PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia officials have declared a Heat Health Emergency, due to oppressive heat forecast for Monday and Tuesday.The emergency is set to begin at noon Monday, August 8 and end at 8 p.m.
Tuesday, August 9.The city is able to put in place emergency heat programs, including Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s Heatline (215-765-9040), home visits by field teams, daytime outreach for the homeless and cooling centers.Officials also remind residents to check on their vulnerable friends and neighbors, during this time of extensive heat."The Health Department declares a Heat Health Emergency when the temperature gets high enough that vulnerable people – especially our elderly neighbors and family members – are at an increased risk of getting sick or dying from the heat," said Health Commissioner Dr.
Cheryl Bettigole. "The best way to protect our loved ones is to make sure they can get into air conditioning during the hottest part of the day.
We recommend that people wear masks if they are going to an air-conditioned place, like a cooling center. As always, we encourage Philadelphian to check on elderly friends and neighbors to make sure they’re safe and don’t need assistance.