Wednesday, July 7, 2010 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CITY OF PHILADELPHIA OUTLINES HEAT EMERGENCY PLAN

Philadelphia, July 7, 2010- Today the City of Philadelphia outlined measures to be implemented in response to the current heat wave. Since the start of calendar year 2010, five heat related deaths have been reported in Philadelphia. The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning that will remain in effect until 8:00 p.m. this evening.

The following initiatives will go into effect:

Operation Thirst Quencher: The Philadelphia Fire Department and Philadelphia Housing Authority have partnered to provide 4,000 bottles of water to all firehouses across the City. Beginning July 8th, the water will be made available to anyone who stops in a firehouse to request a bottle. Residents can dial 3-1-1 to learn about firehouse locations in their communities or log onto www.phila.gov/ready

PCA Senior Centers: The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s (PCA) Heatline will be open tonight until 12:00 a.m. to serve callers with heat-related questions, including tips for coping with the heat and or to learn about extended hours at senior centers across the City. The PCA’s Helpline Call Center, open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., is also a resource for additional information. The phone number for the Heatline and Helpline Call Center is 215-765-9040. Hearing impaired callers can dial 215-765-9041.

Modified Hours at City Facilities: City pools with “adult only” hours from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. will suspend the “adults only” policy and provide all residents access to the pools until 7:00 p.m. tonight. The City of Philadelphia’s Office of Supportive Housing issued a Code Red warning in response to the heat wave and the Department of Recreation’s Senior Centers will extend their hours to 6:00 p.m. until the warning is lifted.

Members of the public are asked to log onto the City of Philadelphia’s Health Department website at www.phila.gov/health or the Office if Emergency Management’s website at www.phila.gov/ready for additional information and tips on staying cool during the heat wave.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 7th, 2010 at 3:00 pm.