Staying safe in the excessive heat
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging has activated its heat hotline for the second day in a row. As bad as it is for the rest of us, this heat is downright dangerous for seniors.
The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging's Heatline will staffed today from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Call 215-765-9040 for assistance.
Chris Gallagher from the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging Helpline tells us, "Their body is not going to tell them they're not dealing well with the heat. And that's where it really becomes a problem when we experience heat related deaths."
Heatline operators took about 45 calls on Sunday as the heatwave got started. They expect the phones to be ringing off the hook over the next couple of days.
The City Health Department has assigned two nurses to the call center to step in when a caller appears to be in distress.
Gallagher says, "If they're having trouble breathing, chest pains, cramps, heavy sweating, vomiting - anything like that, we definitely want to get that person right to the nurse to talk to them over the phone to make sure they're going to be safe."
If the nurse on duty decides the person on the line needs more than advice, they'll send out a mobile unit with a nurse to check in on the caller directly.
PCA is urging seniors to find an air conditioned environment if they don't have any at home. Go to a senior center, a library or a shopping mall, or even ride SEPTA's air conditioned buses all day since seniors ride for free.
In the suburbs, the Delaware County Council has activated its heat plan. Senior centers across the county are extending their hours, allowing the elderly to seek refuge from the heat. County leaders have handed out roughly 200 fans, and have 50 left for those in need.
John McBlain from the Delaware County Council says, "We just remind seniors that they should try to stay indoors and try to stay in air conditioning if it's available to them. If not, please get yourself to one of our municipal senior centers or come here to our Delaware County government center here at the courthouse. We will take care of you."
The precautions aren't limited to seniors. We are all vulnerable in this weather. Kids across the region hit their local pools to stay cool.
If you need assistance or know someone who does, contact the Delaware County Heat Hotline 610-872-1558.
Down in Delaware, the Sunday Breakfast Mission in Wilmington is operating in emergency mode because of the heat. It's located at 110 North Poplar Street. They will be open all day and night for people to come in cool off and get water. The Mission is also accepting donations of bottled water.
Staying out of the sun is very important today. And as always, it's important to check in on your elderly neighbors.
TIPS FOR BEATING THE HEAT
- Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
- Don't drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar. Those actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
- Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. Call your local health department to see if there are any heat-relief shelters in your area.
- Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
-NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on:
- Infants and young children
- People aged 65 or older
- People who have a mental illness
- Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure
Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course, need much more frequent watching.
If you must be out in the heat
- Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours
- Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Warning: If you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage.
- Try to rest often in shady areas.
- Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say "broad spectrum" or "UVA/UVB protection" on their labels)
