Philadelphia declares a heat health emergency starting Thursday with World Cup kicking off
A heat health emergency is declared when temperatures are high enough that vulnerable people, like elderly or homeless residents, are at a higher risk of becoming sick or dying from heat.
As Philadelphia launches festivities around the World Cup, the city has declared a heat health emergency beginning at 11 a.m. Thursday.
A heat health emergency is declared when temperatures are high enough that vulnerable people, like elderly or homeless residents, are at a higher risk of becoming sick or dying from heat.
Heat indexes could reach 103 degrees outside on Thursday and Friday, the National Weather Service warned. The city’s emergency declaration will last until 8 p.m. Friday but could be extended, health officials said.
More than 50 Philadelphia schools will dismiss early Thursday because of the heat, and city officials said they’re also ensuring fans in town for the World Cup are prepared for the heat wave ahead.
The city activates a number of special programs to protect residents during a heat health emergency, including the suspension of water shutoffs and increased outreach to people at risk.
How heat exacerbates health issues
Extreme heat can quickly overstress the bodies of people with certain conditions, including chronic illness and pregnancy, city officials said. Older adults and small children, as well as people who take medications that affect body temperature and people who use drugs or alcohol, are also at risk.
The city warned that strenuous physical activity, working in a hot environment, or simply not having an air conditioner can become risky in a heat emergency.
“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,” Health Commissioner Palak Raval-Nelson said in a statement, urging residents to check on friends, family, and neighbors over the next few days.
Residents should drink lots of water and avoid caffeine and alcohol to prevent dehydration. Those relying on fans should open windows.
People attending outdoor events are encouraged to bring water and identify shady or indoor, air-conditioned spots to rest. They should also wear sunscreen.
Lightweight, light-colored clothing can help, and showering in water that’s close to skin temperature.
Older people, children, and pets should never be left alone in cars.
Early warnings of heat stress include decreased energy, slight loss of appetite, faintness, lightheadedness, and nausea.
Rest in a cool environment, remove excess clothing, and drink fluids if you experience these symptoms, and call a doctor or 911 if there’s no improvement.
Serious signs of heat stress include unconsciousness, a rapid heartbeat, headache, dry skin, chest pain, mental confusion, irritability, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps, staggering, and trouble breathing. These symptoms warrant an immediate 911 call and medical attention.
World Cup visitors
The FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill, a massive gathering spot for World Cup fans to watch games, opens on Thursday. The site has two tents with fans and misters, multiple water stations, and picnic tables in shady areas to rest.
The city is operating four hospitality hubs between City Hall and Lemon Hill with shade, water, and misting stations between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. every day.
Residents and visitors alike can text CUPPHL to 888-777 for free text alerts or follow the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management’s WhatsApp channel for updates during the World Cup.
They can get year-round alerts by texting READYPHILA to 888-777.
Shelter from the heat
On Thursday and Friday, the city will open cooling centers with extended hour at community centers and libraries. Residents can also call 311 for information on the nearest center.
The Parks and Recreation Department’s older adult centers will all be open with air-conditioning from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Pools across the city will open on a rolling basis starting Friday. The city keeps a list of pools on its website.
The Philadelphia Corporation for the Aging will also operate a hotline at 215-765-9040 for heat emergency questions from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, with nurses on hand to answer medical questions.
Homeless outreach
Street teams will patrol the city to offer shelter and other services to people sleeping outside. Anyone who seems someone outside in need of help can call a 24/7 outreach line at 215-232-1984.
