Alertfor Philly Residents: Understanding 'Code Red' and 'Heat Health Emergencies'
In the face of extreme heat, the city of Philadelphia implements a comprehensive plan to safeguard its residents, particularly those who are most vulnerable, and pets. During Code Red and Heat Health Emergencies, the city's focus is on providing essential resources, outreach, and support to ensure everyone remains safe and cool.
During such emergencies, the city's Office of Homeless Services conducts 24-hour outreach to locate individuals experiencing homelessness and transport them to safe indoor spaces, such as shelters. All available emergency housing beds are opened to accommodate this increased need. The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) Heatline (215-765-9040) is activated, operating extended hours to offer advice on heat precautions and detect signs of heat stress. Nurses are on hand to assist callers with medical concerns related to heat.
Cooling centers, including public libraries and other designated facilities, are opened with extended hours to provide air conditioning access. Special field teams carry out home visits to check on and assist vulnerable individuals who may be at risk from the heat. Enhanced daytime outreach is focused on people experiencing homelessness, ensuring they have access to hydration and shelter. The Philadelphia Water Department suspends utility shutoffs to prevent loss of essential services during the heat event.
Residents are encouraged to check on elderly friends, relatives, and neighbours to ensure they have access to air conditioning and are safe. If air conditioning is unavailable, residents may visit the city's cooling centers, pools, or spraygrounds.
Regarding pets, the city's Animal Care and Control Team (ACCT) provides free straw for caretakers or owners of pets and community cats who spend most or all of their time outdoors. Pet owners are reminded to keep their animals hydrated, provide shade and cool environments, and avoid leaving pets in parked vehicles.
As the climate continues to warm, it's essential to pay attention not just to the overall temperature, but also to humidity levels. Even in the shade, high temperatures and humidity can put residents at risk of heatstroke. Taking cold showers or baths can help residents stay cool during extreme heat.
It's worth noting that extreme heat disproportionately impacts low-income neighbourhoods and communities of colour. Areas like Hunting Park, where residents are predominantly Black and Latino, have surface temperatures up to 22 degrees higher than in the city's leafier areas.
Residents concerned about an older adult during extremely hot weather can contact the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging HeatLine at 215-765-9040. If they see a person who appears to be unhoused, they are urged to request a street outreach team by contacting the city's Homeless Outreach hotline at 215-232-1984.
Vulnerable populations face a heightened risk during extreme heat, including older adults, infants and young children, people who are pregnant, people experiencing homelessness, and people with pre-existing conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and asthma. If residents see a pet outside during a Code Red, they can contact Philadelphia's Animal Care and Control Team (ACCT) at 267-385-3800.
Remember, extreme heat is a major health concern and can be deadly. Heat-related illness kills more people nationally than hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Stay safe and stay cool!
- To combat the effects of extreme heat, the city of Philadelphia also focuses on health-and-wellness, particularly for vulnerable populations such as older adults, infants, and pregnant women, by activating the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) Heatline (215-765-9040) for extended hours.
- Fitness-and-exercise is temporarily put on hold during Code Red and Heat Health Emergencies, as the city's Office of Homeless Services conducts 24-hour outreach to ensure those experiencing homelessness have access to essential resources, outreach, and support in safe indoor spaces.
- With climate change increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, it's crucial for residents to be aware of humidity levels and take precautions, such as taking cold showers or baths, to stay cool during extreme heat.
- In an effort to promote environmental-science and encourage general-news about heat-related concerns, the city of Philadelphia urges residents to be mindful of the heightened risk during extreme heat for populations like older adults, infants, and people with pre-existing conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and asthma.
