Stay safe in the summer heat, sun

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Everyone must be vigilant about heat and how it can affect those who are most vulnerable, including older adults, people with disabilities and children. Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) encourages all Philadelphia residents to check up on anyone who may be more susceptible to illness during hot weather and especially during heat waves.

PCA offers the following tips to help older adults stay safe in the heat.

Stay cool:

• Avoid direct sunlight.

• Stay in air-conditioned buildings. If your home is not air-conditioned, spend hot days at a senior center, library or a trusted friend/ neighbor’s house.

• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.

• Drink plenty of water. Do not wait until you’re thirsty. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks.

Seek medical attention for:

• Heavy sweating.

• Headache.

• Weakness, fatigue, dizziness.

• Nausea or vomiting.

• Very high body temperature.

• Confusion.

• Pounding headache.

• Unconsciousness.

When a Heat Health Emergency is declared for the City of Philadelphia, PCA activates its Heatline with extended hours at 215-765-9040 to counsel callers of all ages about taking precautions against heat-related illness and detecting signs of heat stress. For more information, call 215-765-9040 or visit pcaCares.org.

For information about the City’s cooling centers, public pools and spray grounds, call 311 or go to Phila.gov.