Philadelphia's excessive heat warning has been extended through 8 p.m. on Sunday. The sweltering temperatures has taken its toll across the region.
The Philadelphia Health Department says the death of a 67-year-old Germantown man is partially heat-related. Authorities say he was in a house with the air conditioning off, windows shut and no fan. Officials also say he had a heart condition.
The National Weather Service says Philadelphia broke a record for the second day in a row when the temperature reached 100 degrees by mid-afternoon Saturday.
Minor power outages were also reported. In South Philadelphia, power was restored by Saturday afternoon at the Wilson Park Housing Development after an 18-hour blackout. Residents escaped the heat in the development's community center as the Philadelphia Housing Authority worked to correct the power outage in the building. A lack of air conditioning and working elevators was especially tough on the sick and the elderly.
The Health Department recommends that to avoid heat-related illness, you should follow these guidelines:
- Avoid, as much as possible working or playing in the hot sun or other hot areas. If you must be out in the sun, wear a head covering. A wide brimmed hat or visor will not only protect your head from intense rays of the sun, it will also provide a shield for your eyes.
- Use air conditioners and fans. Open windows to release trapped hot air.
- Those taking regular medication should consult with their physician. Some medications cause an adverse reaction in hot weather.
- Wear lightweight clothing.
- Drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids, warm or cool. Because the body loses fluids in the heat, drinking lots of liquids helps to avoid dehydration.
- Maintain a normal diet.
- Shower or bathe in water that is near skin temperature.
- Do not leave older people, children, or pets alone in cars.
- The early warning signs of heat stress are decreased energy, slight loss of appetite, faintness, light-headedness and nausea. People experiencing these symptoms should go to a cool environment, drink fluids, remove excess clothing, and rest.
- Serious signs of heat stress include unconsciousness, rapid heartbeat, throbbing headache, dry skin, chest pain, mental confusion, irritability, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps, staggering, and difficulty breathing. People experiencing these symptoms should get immediate medical attention. While waiting for help move the person to a cool area, remove excess clothing, spray with water, and fan the person. In an emergency dial 911.
The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s Heatline is active again until midnight. The number is (215) 765-9040. Nurses and counselors are available to answer any questions you may have on dealing with heat and detecting signs of heat stress.
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