Health Information Portal (HIP)

Heat Health Emergency Resources

The below message is available in the following languages:

Important Heat Safety Information for the Public

It will be really hot this weekend and into next week. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has declared a Heat Health Emergency starting at 8am on Monday, 7/15 through 11:59pm on Wednesday, 7/17. During extreme heat, it’s important to check on your neighbors, especially older adults and people with chronic health conditions who are more likely to get sick and anyone who lives alone. Make sure they have access to air conditioning, are staying hydrated, and know how to call for help if they need it.

These resources are available during the Heat Health Emergency:

• Cooling Centers: These are air-conditioned locations, including libraries, rec centers, and senior centers throughout the city with extended hours during heat health emergencies. To find a cooling center near you, call 311 or visit https://bit.ly/PhillyCool, or reference this flyer.
  • Senior centers will be open to all ages during the Heat Health Emergency.
• The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging Heatline – (215) 765-9040: Residents can call to get heat safety tips and resources as well as talk to a nurse about any health needs.
  • The Heatline will be open from 8:30am through 8:30pm on 7/15, 7/16, and 7/17.
• The Office of Homeless Services: If you see someone on the street that needs help, call (215) 232-1984 or call 911 for a medical emergency.
• More information about the Heat Health Emergency can be found here: https://bit.ly/PhilaHeatEmergency.

Stay cool:

• Stay in air conditioning at home or in a cool public space.
  • Visit www.art-reach.org or call (267) 515-6720 for free or discounted indoor activities.
• The hottest part of the day is from about 11am – 4pm; try to stay out of the sun and avoid strenuous activities, if possible.
• Stay hydrated. Drink water or fruit juice even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• If you are hot and don’t feel well, call a doctor. Call 911 if you think someone is having an emergency.

Other resources:

• Free brochures, flyers, newsletters and more: http://bit.ly/PHPMaterials
  • Community education materials translated in multiple languages.
  • Download a digital copy or order free printed copies mailed to your address.
• Extreme Heat Guide: www.phila.gov/heat
  • Includes information about health risks during extreme heat and tools to help you stay cool.
• Utility Emergency Services Fund – (215) 814-6835 or visit www.uesfacts.org
  • Utility and housing assistance and more. Residents can call to learn about and enroll in state and federal benefits.

Contact the Public Health Preparedness Program at publichealthpreparedness@phila.gov or (215) 429-3016 to schedule an in-person or virtual workshop about staying safe during extreme heat, get printed materials mailed to your organization, and discuss how we can support your community to stay safe from extreme heat this summer. Translation and interpretation are available.

Stay connected to important information by signing up for free alerts from the city. Text READYPHILA to 888-777 for free texts direct to your phone.