The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has declared a Heat Health Emergency beginning Thursday, June 20, at 8 a.m., and continuing through Sunday, June 23, until midnight. The Heat Health Emergency – Philadelphia’s first this year – could be extended if the forecast worsens.
The City declares a Heat Health Emergency during very hot weather. When we do that, we activate several City services to ensure our residents stay safe. Below you will find resources for keeping cool and other heat health-related information.
Remember, during a Heat Health Emergency, it’s important to check on friends, loved ones, neighbors, and pets. When daytime temperatures reach the 90s or triple digits, and are accompanied by high humidity for two or more days, dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke can occur. If you think someone is having a medical emergency, call 911.
Also, during hot weather, NEVER leave children and pets unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Car interiors can reach lethal temperatures very quickly. It takes only two minutes for a car to reach unsafe temperatures.
Get free text alerts
A Heat Health Emergency and related weather and emergency information is announced and updated on the City’s website. It’s also announced and updated through the City’s free mass notification system, ReadyPhiladelphia, which is now available in 11 different languages, including American Sign Language. Sign up for free text alerts by texting READYPHILA to 888-777 or customize your free text or email for alerts and notifications important to you by visiting the Office of Emergency Management’s website.
Talk with medical professionals
City residents can call the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging Heatline to get health and safety tips, and talk to medical professionals to discuss conditions and illnesses made worse from the heat. During a Heat Health Emergency, you can call the heatline between 8:30 a.m. and midnight at (215) 765-9040.
Don’t sweat it
During a Heat Health Emergency, the City coordinates to open various air-conditioned locations where residents can go to cool off from the heat. Cooling centers can include libraries, community and recreational centers, senior centers, buses, and other locations. The cooling center locations will be open to the public throughout the Heat Health Emergency.
Residents are also encouraged to visit any of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s spraygrounds and pools. Remember, swimming in Philadelphia’s rivers, streams, and waterways is very dangerous and not allowed. Cool off safely at a sprayground or pool instead.
For hours, please download our directory of cooling centers, spraygrounds, and pools (DOCX).
Call if you see someone who needs shelter
The Office of Homeless Services will take proactive measures to protect Philadelphians who are experiencing homelessness. Call the outreach team at (215) 232-1984 if you see someone on the street who needs shelter or other homeless services. Call 911 if there is a medical emergency.
Don’t worry about shutoffs
Philadelphia Water Department shutoffs are suspended during a Heat Health Emergency. Shutoffs for non-payment will resume after the Heat Health Emergency ends.
Look out for friends in fur coats
During excessive heat, all dogs must have one or more separate areas of shade large enough to accommodate the entire body of the dog at one time and protect it from the direct rays of the sun. Owners can face fines – and put their pets in grave danger – if they don’t follow ACCT Philly’s requirements. To report a dog left outdoors in very hot weather, call (267) 385-3800.
