Tips to stay safe during Heat Health Emergency in Philadelphia

(WPHL) — As the Philadelphia region experiences its first heat wave of 2025, it’s important to stay safe as temperatures rise into the upper 90s.

As temperatures continue to rise, the City of Philadelphia has put precautionary measures in place for the heat health emergency. This heat health emergency will stay in place until Wednesday at 8 p.m., when temperatures are expected to start dropping into the lower 90s.

The city has a heat health emergency “heatline”, 267-765-9040, that residents can call if they are experiencing an emergency or need heat-related assistance.

The Department of Public Health recommends the following tips to avoid heat-related illnesses:

• Use air conditioners. If necessary, go to an air-conditioned location for several hours during the hottest parts of the day.
• If using a fan, be sure to open windows to release trapped hot air.
• Use drapes, shades, or awnings in your home. Outdoor awnings can reduce the heat that enters the home by up to 80 percent.
• Take a cool shower or bath.
• Rest in the shade or a cool place when you can.
• Drink plenty of liquids, especially water, to prevent dehydration. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• Never leave older people, children, or pets alone in cars. Car interiors can reach lethal temperatures very quickly; It takes only two minutes for a car to reach unsafe temperatures.
• Check on older adults who live alone.
• Those taking regular medication should consult with their physician. Some medications cause an adverse reaction in hot weather.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Avoid working or playing in the hot sun or other hot areas, especially during the sun’s peak hours of 11 a.m. through 4 p.m.
• Maintain a normal diet.
• Shower or bathe in water that is near skin temperature.
• Cover all exposed skin with an SPF sunscreen (15 or above). Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and head.
• Do not use fire hydrants to cool off!
  • If you see an open hydrant, call the Water Department’s emergency line at (215) 685-6300.

Signs and symptoms of heat-related illness:

*Muscle cramps may be the first sign of heat-related illness.*

• Symptoms include: heavy sweating and painful muscle spasms –often in the abdomen, arms, or calves.
• What to do:
  • Stop all activity and move to a cooler location
  • Drink water
  • Seek medical attention if cramps persist for more than one hour

Heat exhaustion can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate replacement of fluids. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, people with high blood pressure, and people working or exercising in a hot environment.

• Symptoms include: heavy sweating, headache, weakness, fatigue, dizziness, fainting, nausea, or vomiting.
• What to do:
  • Go to an air-conditioned space. On especially hot days, the City opens cooling centers.
  • Sip cool, non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Take a cool shower or bath.
  • Rest.
  • Seek medical attention if symptoms persist for more than one hour.

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.

• Symptoms may include: very high body temperature (above 103°F), red, hot, dry skin (no sweating), confusion, throbbing headache, nausea, and unconsciousness.

If you see someone with these symptoms, call 911 immediately.

Who is at risk:

• People aged 65 years or older. They are less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature. Many people, particularly older adults, also don’t feel thirsty until they’re already dehydrated. You should check in on older adults to make sure that they are staying cool and hydrated.
• Infants and young children (under age 4). Young children are sensitive to the effects of excessive heat and must rely on their caregivers to stay cool and hydrated.
• People with some chronic medical conditions, like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and asthma. They are less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature. Also, they may be taking medications that can contribute to dehydration or interfere with the body’s ability to regulate body temperature. Patients should check with their healthcare provider for more information about how specific chronic conditions and medications may affect them during extreme heat events.
• People who are homeless, pregnant, work outdoors, or are athletes should be especially careful to stay hydrated.
• People with ch

Those without air conditioning can visit the city’s free cooling centers. Residents are also encouraged to use the city’s free spraygrounds and pools.

2025 Cooling Center locations:

You can also visit a local library or Parks & Rec location, which are being used as cooling centers as well.

Philadelphia Free Library locations:

(Open June 22 to June 25, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m)

Philadelphia Parks and Recreation locations:

Open Monday, June 23 to Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Open Monday, June 23 to Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

PHA Community Center locations:

Community Partner Space locations:

Throughout this Heat Health Emergency, the Office of Homeless Services will increase its outreach. The office says it “will take proactive measures to protect Philadelphians who are experiencing homelessness.” If you see someone on the street who may need shelter, call the outreach team at 215-232-1984.

To report a dog left outdoors in very hot weather, call the Animal Care and Control Team (ACCTPhilly) at (267) 385-3800.