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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.
NEW: HEAT SAFETY RESOURCES FOR 2021
The DBHIDS HEAT SAFETY POLICY includes Philadelphia heat safety resources, training materials, handouts, posters, and heat safety checklists. Click to view the 2021 DBHIDS Heat Safety Policy.
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. See pages 1 and 2 of the Heat Safety Policy for further information about staff training. Click for the eLearning course.
Tips to Beat the Heat
Drink lots of water
Eight glasses a day will keep you hydrated.
Eight glasses a day will keep you hydrated.
Avoid coffee or alcohol
They cause your body to lose water.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Homeless Safety a Heightened Issue During Summer Months
/in BlogBy David T. Jones
Acting Commissioner,
DBHIDS
Summer is here –- at last -– and for many people, thoughts turn to fun family getaways, sitting out by the pool or on the beach and sweet treats like ice cream or water ice to cool us down. But for people who are living on the street, these options of summer escapes aren’t so readily accessible.
Hundreds of people experience periods of street homelessness in Philadelphia, using street corners, transit hubs and parks as shelter. Heavily-traveled areas, particularly in and around Center City, reveal the faces of this sad reality. And while being homeless can be devastating enough for an individual, the problem is only compounded for those who are also living with an untreated mental illness, addiction, or both.