City of Philadelphia
Heat Safety
Exposure to excessive heat is dangerous and can lead to heatstroke — a medical emergency. Internal body temperatures can rise to levels that may cause irreversible brain damage and death.
Children, older adults, and individuals with behavioral health conditions (especially those who are taking psychotropic medications or using certain substances) are at a higher risk for heatstroke and heat-related illnesses. These medications and substances can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate heat and an individual’s awareness that their body temperature is rising.
Tips to Beat the Heat
- Drink lots of water
Eight glasses a day will keep you hydrated. - Avoid coffee or alcohol
They cause your body to lose water. - Dress cool
Wear loose, light-colored clothing and a hat during peak sunlight. Use sunblock of SPF 30 or greater.
- Call a neighbor
Have a friend or neighbor check on you twice a day during heat waves. - Take cool showers
- Stay air-conditioned
If you don’t have air conditioning, seek it out at a friend’s house or the mall. If you can’t get out, stay on a lower floor where it’s cooler and open the windows. Take cool showers. - Know the signs of heat stroke
If you experience high fever, flushed face, throbbing headache, confusion, little or no perspiration, rapid pulse—seek medical help.
Who to Contact
If a Medical Emergency (e.g. fever, panting, disorientation, profuse or lack of sweating), call 911 immediately.
During an official heat emergency/ warning, contact the PCA Heatline at 215-765-9040
During regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., contact the Environmental Health Services Unit (EHS) of the Philadelphia Health Dept at: 215-685-7342
Additional Heat Safety Resources
FOR DBHIDS PROVIDER AGENCY STAFF AND DBHIDS STAFF: An eLearning Course can be accessed via the DBHIDS Learning Hub. Instructions for DBHIDS contracted provider agency staff to create a Learning Hub account can be found here should they be needed.
If you already have an account, please do not create a new one. If you have an issue with logging into the eLearning course, please contact: DBHIDS.LearningHub@Phila.gov.
Questions about the heat safety policy requirements can be directed to your DBHIDS representative. Certificates will be available after eLearning course completion via the DBHIDS Learning Hub.