Heat warning continues in Philadelphia; Heatline activated again
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) has activated its Heatline again for Friday.
The Heatline will be in operation from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The number to call is 215-765-9040.
Nurses and experts are on hand to answer questions and assist anyone who needs help coping with the extreme heat and humidity.
The Heatline activation is part of the City of Philadelphia's heat warning, issued Thursday and continuing through Friday.
The heat warning signals the activation of the city's special summer heat programs, including home visits by special field teams, operation of the PCA's Heatline, enhanced daytime outreach for the homeless, and the city's effort to encourage the public to look in on older friends, relatives and neighbors.
Temperatures rose to the 90s Thursday, but easily felt like an oppressive 100 degrees, triggering a heat warning in Philadelphia.
"It's just hits you, smacks you in the face. It's like walking into a wall," said Colleen Gallagher of Montgomery County. "The humidity is gross out."
Even the animals needed relief.
Riders at an equestrian camp in Fairmount Park tried to get their training in Thursday before the heat became unbearable.
"Sometimes we don't get to ride because it gets too hot and it's really sad," said Nahla Thomas of Overbrook.
Nahla says with extreme heat in the forecast, her parents never let her leave home unprepared.
"They make me drink a lot of water, and they make me pack two water bottles just in case," said Nahla.
With a high of 94 degrees and and a heat index of 100 plus, if you head outside, there is no escaping the sweltering temperatures.
Those who have to work in the steamy conditions say the best thing they can do is stay hydrated, and when their body has had enough, find some shade to cool off.
"We have been doing this for a long time, so we learn to suck it up and bear with it," said Grggory Nathaniel of North Philadelphia.
The constructions workers also say a little laughter takes their minds off the heat.
"To my wife, Maryann, I'm on the job. Have my dinner done," said Nathaniel.
We also found a crew working on an art project along the Parkway.
"We have been following the heatwave and everybody has plenty of water, sunscreen," said Akhenaton Jones of Southwest Philadelphia.
"Water ice. You can only do this in Philly right? In New York? Nah! The solution in Philly is water ice," said Alex Gilliam of North Philadelphia.
Probably the best way to cool down on a day like today is take a note from little ones and find some water to cool you down.
In the Lehigh Valley, the fees to get into the public pools in Allentown have been reduced.
During the heat advisory, it will cost $2 for kids ages 4-17 to get in, and $3 for adults at the Jordan and Mack Pools.
The Irving Pool is charging just $1 for anyone over 4.
Allentown's pools are open from noon to 7 p.m.
