Telephone Help Line In Operation For Philadelphia's Persistent Heat Wave
By Suzanne Monaghan
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The excessive heat warning remains in effect for the region, and the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging's "Heatline" will be open 8:30am until 12 midnight today through Friday.
The heatline has continued to take calls during this second day of the excessive heat warning. Chris Gallagher, director of the Help Line at PCA, says most people call for advice on keeping cool, but others are experiencing signs of heat stress by the time they pick up the phone and get in contact.
"In that case we put them in touch with the medical staff here," Gallagher says. "Nurses from the (Philadelphia) Health Department triage them over the phone and see what they could do to help with the situation, and possibly even send out the city's mobile team that also has a nurse, to look at their environment and maybe take some vital signs to make sure the person is going to be safe in this heat."
Some tips for staying safe include keeping your windows open, drinking plenty of water, wearing light clothing, taking a cool bath, and staying on the lower floors of your house.
The Heatline phone number is 215-765-9040.
