The City issues different types of heat alerts, depending on the weather. During very hot weather, the City may declare a heat health emergency.
During a heat health emergency
A heat health emergency activates several City services. In a heat health emergency:
- A special helpline, called the Heatline, opens for calls. Nurses answer questions about health safety and heat-related illnesses. You can call the Heatline at (215) 765-9040.
- Cooling centers stay open later. Find your local cooling center.
- Mobile heat health teams may be dispatched.
- Residential utility shutoffs stop.
To stay cool during a heat health emergency, visit a cooling center, pool, or sprayground.
ReadyPhiladelphia
To get free alerts about heat and severe weather, you can sign up for ReadyPhiladelphia. The Office of Emergency Management uses this system to send mass notifications by text and email in 11 languages.