Cooling Centers Open As Philadelphia Health Officials Extend Heat Health Emergency Through Sunday
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A Heat Health Emergency has been declared in Philadelphia. That means a number of different services have been activated to help keep everyone safe during this hot weather.
That emergency went into effect at noon Thursday and has now been extended until Sunday. There is not a lot of relief in the baking sun, and in Rittenhouse Square, a lot of people are trying to find a sliver of shade.
The city has activated a number of services to help keep everyone safe.
As the sun beams down and bakes Center City, families are trying to find some relief by running through the fountains at Dilworth Park. Nine-month-old Mikel has the right idea, dipping his tiny toes in the cool water.
"He likes the water so I might as well bring him to the fountains," Emoney Espinosa said.
The heat hasn't tired out little Landon McCune. He took a spill in the water but got right back up, going everywhere the water is.
"It's tough but things like this help. He loves the water. He's like a baby shark so anywhere that's wet and refreshing," Jason McCune said.
Philadelphia has declared a Heat Health Emergency. A dozen cooling sites, like the Logan Library, are extending hours to help people cool off in the air conditioning.
The city is expanding its outreach by helping the homeless.
CBS3 found the Center City District and Project Home workers wheeling around suitcases of water.
"They actually walk around giving out to clients cold water, fruit bars, snacks, and toiletry items and they're talking to them to make sure they're trying to get into somewhere that's cool," Center City District CSR Manager Terrance Keene said.
The city has also activated a heat hotline where experts can help with health and safety tips.
For those that have to be outside, Isaiah Henderson found a somewhat cooler spot in the shade.
"Staying out of the sun drinking some water, staying in the shade," Isaiah Henderson said.
Kids rolled around in the water looking for any way to cool off.
"I bring her out here sometimes and let her stay cool in the water. She used to be scared of it, but now she likes it," Tyzia Soto said.
Philadelphia's Animal Care and Control Team is also reminding everyone to look after their pets in this heat. Owners can face a fine if their dog is left outside in the heat.
For more details on how to stay cool, click here.
Here is a list of cooling centers in Philadelphia:
Lucien E. Blackwell Regional Library 125 South 52nd Street 215-685-7431 Open until 7 p.m. Joseph E. Coleman Regional Library 68 West Chelten Avenue 215-685-2150 Open until 7 p.m. Blanche A. Nixon Cobbs Creek Library 5800 Cobbs Creek Parkway 215-685-1973 Open until 8 p.m. Fox Chase Library 501 Rhawn Street 215-685-0547 Open until 8 p.m. Frankford Library 4634 Frankford Avenue 215-685-1473 Open until 7 p.m. Fumo Family Library 2437 South Broad Street 215-685-1758 Open until 7 p.m. Haddington Library 446 North 65th Street 215-685-1970 Open until 7 p.m. Lillian Marrero Library (meeting room only) 601 West Lehigh Avenue 215-685-9794 Open until 7 p.m. Logan Library 1333 Wagner Avenue 215-685-9156 Open until 7 p.m. Oak Lane Library 6614 North 12th Street 215-685-2848 Open until 7 p.m. Paschalville Library 6942 Woodland Avenue 215-685-2662 Open until 7 p.m. Widener Library 2808 West Lehigh Avenue 215-685-9799 Open until 7 p.m.
CBS3's Siafa Lewis and Wakisha Bailey contributed to this report.
