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On the Front Lines as Temperatures Spike
PLEASE ANNOUNCE: PCA HEATLINE -
215-765-9040 –
TO BE ACTIVATED
Wednesday, July 4, 11 a.m. until midnight
Thursday, July 5, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Philadelphia --
As a result of the National Weather Service’s declaration of an “Excessive Heat Warning,” Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) will activate the HEATLINE, 215
-765-9040
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Wednesday, July 4, 11 a.m. to midnight
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Thursday, July 5, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Media are asked to announce PCA’s HEATLINE phone number, 215-765-9040, during news broadcasts and weather updates pertaining to the heat wave
and to post the HEATLINE phone number and activation times on media websites.
At PCA’s HEATLINE call center, a team of trained staff will counsel callers of all ages about precautions to take against the heat and detecting signs of heat stress. City Health Department nurses will be on-site to speak with callers about medical problems related to the heat. Mobile relief teams from the Health Department will respond to situations requiring intervention, and 911 will be called for emergencies. NOTE: This is the second time this year the HEATLINE will be activated on a holiday. Dedicated staff will man the HEATLINE on Independence Day, July 4 and did so earlier on Memorial Day, May 28.
Neighbors, friends and relatives are urged to look in on elderly persons, as they may be especially vulnerable to the heat.
The elderly, individuals with chronic medical conditions, those on medication, and persons who live alone and receive few visitors are encouraged to call PCA’s HEATLINE for advice on coping with the heat. In addition, callers may contact PCA’s HEATLINE on behalf of another individual who may be at risk for heat stress.
PCA’s HEATLINE is a non-emergency telephone service – IT IS NOT A FAN OR AIR CONDITIONER DISTRIBUTION SITE.
PCA’sHEATLINE staff can provide information about recommended air-conditioned locations and year-round senior services.
The HEATLINE was previously activated this year on May 28 and 29; June 20 through 22; and June 29 through July 1 for a total of eight days. During 2011, the HEATLINE was activated three times, for a total of eight days and fielded a total of 1,326 calls.
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