Philadelphia is in a heat emergency but you can still help
A heat emergency is called when This kind of declaration is made when temperatures and humidity reach levels that can put vulnerable people, like those with chronic illness or the elderly, at high risk for medical emergencies. Meaning, people who are vulnerable and alone need our help.
The Philadelphia Health Department has declared a heat health emergency. A heat emergency is called when This kind of declaration is made when temperatures and humidity reach levels that can put vulnerable people, like those with chronic illness or the elderly, at high risk for medical emergencies. Meaning, people who are vulnerable and alone need our help.
Here are things to know during a heat emergency.
Utility non-payments are paused during a heat emergency
First and most importantly, your air conditioner will not be shut off during the heat emergency because overdue payments are suspended during that time. Do not turn your air conditioner off and put yourself in danger just because of a bill.
The cooling centers and pools are open
Philadelphia has over 60 free pools and splash pads open to cool you off during hot days. Find a list here.
Free Library locations, like the South Philadelphia Library, Parkway Central Library, Logan Library and Walnut West, are certified cooling centers. Spend your day reading books in the chilly library.
The Parks Department has cooling centers at East Passyunk Rec Center, Barry Playground, and the South Philadelphia Older Adult Center.
Prevention Point and Sunshine House, in Kensington, join the list of Philadelphia cooling centers open for anyone to utilize for free.
Know who to call in an emergency
The city has a Heatline at (215) 765-9040, open from 8 a.m. through 8 p.m., which was created to route possible emergencies based on the heat. With the case of relatives and neighbors, have their doctors numbers handy, especially if they have a chronic ailment that is exacerbated by heat.
The warning signs of heat exhaustion are confusion, heavy sweating, dizziness and nausea. Keeping an eye on neighbors and relatives ensures that you get ahead of these emergencies.
Mutual aid groups will be handing out water: Join a "bottle brigade"
Several mutual aid groups in Philly, like Food Not Bombs, put together bottle brigades to hand out water during the heat emergency. In text groups, they coordinate funds, figure out who will secure bottles, who will freeze them and get ice packs, and pick a route where people congregate in the city.
With wagons, cars and boxes, they give those cold water bottles out to anyone who needs them. Volunteers can donate, transport, or be part of the team handing-out on the street.
If you are able to join the street team, can donate ice packs or help purchase water in bulk, or can just help them out, check here for more information on mutual aid services during the heat emergency in South Philly, here for Germantown, and here for fridges in a variety of areas. You only need to do as much as you can in the heat.
Message me directly to add you to a current bottle brigade chat.
