Health: Extreme Weather - Heat

Montgomery County, PA

P.O. Box 311, Norristown, PA 19404-0311
Courthouse Hours: 8:30a.m. to 4:15p.m.
Phone: 610-278-3000
Website: www.montcopa.org

Extreme Weather - Heat
Due to the well-documented risk of excess mortality and other significant heat-related health problems associated with oppressively hot weather, the Montgomery County Health Department (MCHD) issues Hot Weather Health Warnings (Code Red) during the summer months, when a heat index (temperature/humidity index) of 100° F or greater is predicted for Montgomery County by the National Weather Service.
 
Along with issuing Code Red alerts, MCHD distributes hot weather educational materials to Montgomery County residents upon request. The county office of Aging and Adult Services maintains a list of weather-sensitive older residents who they check on in heat emergencies.
 
Those especially at risk during extremely hot weather are very young children, the elderly, people with chronic medical conditions and those taking certain medications.  
 
All residents should follow these precautions for avoiding heat-related symptoms: drink plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated fluids, wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, and find a cool place to spend the hottest part of the day.
 
Most of the Senior Centers are air-conditioned, as are malls and libraries. The Montgomery County Human Services Center at Fornance and DeKalb Streets, Norristown, will also be a cooling site during a Code Red Heat Emergency for residents who cannot access other sites.
 
During the day, homeless residents can escape the heat at the Coordinated Homeless Outreach Center (CHOC) on the Norristown State Hospital grounds (610-292-9244), at the Norristown Ministry’s Hospitality Center (610-277-1321) or the Norristown office of the Salvation Army (610-275-4183). The Pottstown office of the Salvation Army will have water available for homeless residents.
 
The safety of outdoor workers is a special concern during heat emergencies. Landscaping, roofing, highway and construction crews, for example, need frequent breaks for hydration (water) and shade.
 
Tips for Preventing Heat-related Illness
http://health.montcopa.org/health/cwp/view,A,3,Q,43373.asp
 
Hot weather tips for those with special needs
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/elderlyheat.asp
 
 
 
 
National weather service
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/
 
National weather service heat index chart
http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/heat/index.shtml
 
 
Coordinated Homeless Outreach Center
http://www.rhd-choc.org/
 
 
 
Links to Utilities (Electric and Gas)
PECO
http://www.exeloncorp.com/ourcompanies/peco/
 
PPL Energy Services
http://www.pplweb.com/