Hot weather affects everyone, but seniors and people with chronic illnesses need to be extra careful.
Fortunately, Philadelphia residents can take advantage of several resources to stay informed about extreme heat, keep cool when temperatures spike, and get help when needed. Here’s a look at 5 that you should know about.
1. Sign up for ReadyPhiladelphia Texts
The best way to protect yourself or a loved one is to know ahead of time when extreme heat is coming. If you live in Philadelphia, you can sign up for ReadyPhiladelphia, a free alert service from the City. It sends texts about extreme heat, storms, flooding, and other dangerous weather, plus updates on mass transit and emergencies.
To sign up: Text “READYPHILA” to 888-777 or visit phila.gov/ready.
2. Get the Philadelphia Heat Guide
The free Philadelphia Heat Guide will help you get ready for hot weather. It explains the health risks of extreme heat, gives tips for staying cool, and shares links to help with utility bills and other local resources.
Read the guide here: phila.gov/heat
3. Visit Local Cooling Centers
The City operates “Cooling Centers”—places where residents can go to get a break from the heat. These include air-conditioned public spaces (like a local library or senior center), public pools, and other facilities. To locate the nearest cooling center, call 311 or check the City of Philadelphia Cooling Center Finder.
4. Call the PCA Helpline
The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging has a Helpline that supports seniors during heatwaves. Dial (215) 765-9040 to request assistance with acquiring cooling equipment, report vulnerable older neighbors, or get advice on how to stay safe.
5. Stay Hydrated
A simple but crucial tip for seniors—and everyone—is to drink plenty of water. It’s easy to forget how much of a difference staying hydrated makes in helping our bodies stay regulated in hot weather. So be sure to keep an ice water handy and remember to sip it throughout the day!
JEVS Care at Home offers trusted, quality home care
Contact us today to learn how our services help aging adults and adults with disabilities live independently in the comfort of home.
