Excessive Heat Prompts Early Dismissal At Schools In Philadelphia, South Jersey
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The next two days promise to be pretty brutal so school districts in Philadelphia and South Jersey are trying to stay ahead of the curve.
In their quest to stay fit, people might believe runners are fit to be tied, but the summer heat is no reason to stop according to an organizer with the South Jersey Athletic Club.
Pete McHugh tells Eyewitness News that by drinking large amounts of water, experienced runners won't necessarily be stopped by the heat heading our way.
"We have a guy out here who's been running forever. He has a pacemaker. He'll come out on the hottest days and do the one loop. He just loves running so much," McHugh said.
But when it comes to keeping kids cool it's another ball game.
Citing high temperatures, the Archdiocese will shut down its schools in the city at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. The same goes for the entire Philadelphia School District. There will be bus service.
"The expected extreme weather coupled by the high humidity levels could create a situation in which heat illness is possible," said District Communications Chief Jamilah Foster.
For parents living near Chalfont Park in Northeast Philadelphia that is their cue to scramble.
"It's going to effect work. So I have to call out work and go get the kids and bring them home and be there with him," said parent Derrick Staton.
In South Jersey at least eight school districts will be dismissing children early Wednesday and Thursday.
Parents in Haddonfield are trying to rearrange their schedules.
Watch the video...
"I've got a pre-schooler, and I've got a child that is not in school, and a full day student so it's going to be a little bit of rearranging and lots of favors from friends," parent Christina Haciski said.
"I would prefer the school air conditioning all the rooms so the kids can stay," parent Marci Foster said.
The Black Horse Pike Regional School District is dismissing at 11:45 a.m. tomorrow, Thursday and Friday.
Check out the Latest Forecast, CLICK HERE
Reported by Todd Quinones, CBS 3; Ian Bush, KYW Newsradio
