To stay cool during a Heat Health Emergency, visit cooling centers, pools, and spraygrounds. You can also call the Heatline at (215) 765-9040 for advice on staying cool or information on emergency services.

Tips to stay cool

Stay hydrated

• Drink plenty of water. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks.

Outside

• Avoid working, exercising, or playing outside during the hottest part of the day (usually 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.)
• Slow down. Rest in the shade or a cool place when you can.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothes. Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella for shade.

At home

• Use air conditioners and fans. If you use a fan, make sure your windows are open 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.
• Visit a friend with air conditioning or spend time in a cool place like a mall, library, senior center, or cooling center. Even a few hours in air conditioning during the hottest part of the day can help your body recover.

Remember

• Never leave older people, children, or pets alone in cars.
• Check on older adults who live alone.

Fire hydrants

Do not use fire hydrants to cool off, they are for fighting fires. According to the Philadelphia Water Department, opening hydrants to cool off decreases water pressure and makes it difficult for Philadelphia firefighters to do their jobs, plus it can damage water mains. If you see an open hydrant, call the Water Department’s emergency line at (215) 685-6300.

Very hot weather can make it harder for you to cool down.

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 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 — this is a medical emergency.

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.

Even people without chronic conditions can be at risk during hot weather. People who are homeless, pregnant, work outdoors, or are athletes should be especially careful to stay hydrated.

Chronic medical conditions

• Diabetes: People with diabetes get dehydrated more quickly. High temperatures can change how your body uses insulin. People with diabetes may need to test their blood sugar more often and adjust their insulin dose and what they eat and drink.
• Cardiovascular disease: People with heart disease may be more vulnerable to heat stroke. Some medicines commonly used to treat high blood pressure, like diuretics (water pills), can worsen dehydration.
• Respiratory diseases (asthma): High temperatures can also impact air quality and worsen respiratory conditions, like asthma. Visit AirNow to check air quality ratings each day and plan your activities accordingly.