Heat Advisory Issued In Philadelphia, Camden County For Sunday
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- An Excessive Heat Advisory has been issued for Philadelphia and a Heat Advisory has been issued for Camden County, New Jersey for Sunday, July 19.
PHILADELPHIA
In conjunction with the National Weather Service Excessive Heat Advisory for the area, Health Commissioner James Buehler, MD, has issued an Excessive Heat Advisory for Philadelphia for Sunday, July 19.
According to the news release, weather conditions on Sunday, however, are not expected to be extreme enough, or last long enough to require launch of the city's Heatline or other special heat response programs. Officials says the public should use common sense and take precautions to avoid over-exertion whenever it is hot.
Officials say those most at risk in extreme heat are older people, those with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, individuals taking certain regular medications, those with mental illnesses, pregnant women, small children, those who work in a high heat environment, and anyone engaged in strenuous physical activity.
Officials say to avoid heat-related illness, Philadelphians of all ages should adhere to the following simple rules:
- 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.
- People taking regular medication should consult with their physician. Some medications can 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.
Officials say 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. According to officials, 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. Officials say people experiencing these symptoms should get immediate medical attention. While waiting for help move the person to a cool area, officials say remove excess clothing, spray with water, and fan the person. In an emergency, dial 911.
CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ
The Office of the Camden County Health Officer has issued a Heat Advisory for Camden County for Sunday, July 19, according to a news release.
Officials say the latest weather forecast obtained by Camden County is calling for hot and humid conditions with highs up to 95 degrees and a peak heat index near 100 degrees.
The Heat Advisory is effective 12 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., according to officials.
"Please remember to check on elderly relatives and neighbors during the extreme heat," said Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services in a news release. "When temperatures rise to dangerous levels, you should not over exert yourself outdoors in the sun."
To avoid heat-related illness, the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services recommends the following:
• 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 and 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 liquids, remove excess clothing and rest.
Officials say 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 to 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.
According to the news release, the Camden County Freeholder Board is once again distributing free fans to Senior Citizens this year. Officials say residents age 60 and older with an income of $25,000 or less are eligible to receive a fan at no cost. To request a fan or to obtain more information, call the Camden County Division of Senior Services at (856) 858-3220.
