Summer Heat Wave Claims First Victim
Woman found in home with windows closed and no air conditioning
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Windows were closed and there was no air conditioning in the woman's bedroom. A fan was found running.
The first heat wave of the summer season has claimed its first victim.
An 83-year old woman was found dead inside her West Philadelphia home Monday after succumbing to heat related illnesses, according to the Philadelphia Health Department.
The unidentified woman died in her bedroom. There was no air conditioning and the bedroom windows were shut, but a fan was running, officials said.
Temperatures reached 93 degrees on Monday with the heat index climbing into the mid-90s. The heat index, which is a combination of the actual temperature and relative humidity, determines how hot it actually feels.
The cause of death was ruled heart disease and heat exposure.
City officials are urging residents to open windows during the hottest parts of the day and use fans if they can. Leaving windows shut can essentially turn a home into an oven.
The heat wave is expected to continue through the weekend when temps will drop into the 80s says NBC Philadelphia meteorologist Michelle Grossman.
Get more: NBC Philadelphia Weather
Posted Tuesday, Aug 18, 2009 - 5:23 PM EST
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