Allegheny County Activates Code Red Heat Advisory for Sunday, June 22 to Wednesday, June 25
PITTSBURGH – Allegheny County is activating its first Code Red Heat Advisory starting Sunday, June 22, in response to forecasted weather that may pose a risk to vulnerable residents. The advisory may be extended as updated forecasts become available.
The activation is based on the National Weather Service and Centers for Disease Control’s HeatRisk tool, which considers how unusual and prolonged the heat is for this time of year, as well as the potential for serious health impacts.
Cooling centers in the City of Pittsburgh and other municipalities across the county, including many senior centers, will be open to provide relief from the heat. Some locations will offer extended hours to ensure access to safe, cool spaces. When operating as a cooling center, senior centers will welcome residents of any age. The Department of Human Services is also taking additional actions including outreach to older adults, children, and people experiencing homelessness, in coordination with the City of Pittsburgh and other municipalities.
A full list of open cooling centers, activation dates, and updates will be posted at acdhs.org/codered.
“We’ve always responded to heat emergencies, but this year we’re being more systematic,” said Erin Dalton, Director of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services. “Senior centers will now more consistently extend their hours on Code Red days, and we’ll be assessing conditions to potentially expand overnight shelter when extreme heat persists into the night. This pilot approach will help us learn what works best to keep people safe.”
Residents are encouraged to check on neighbors, friends, and family — especially those who are older or medically vulnerable — and to help spread the word about available cooling resources.
Four county pools are open seven days a week, weather permitting. Check out pool hours and rates on the County website. Allegheny County Emergency Services also reminds everyone that heat is the leading weather-related cause of death nationwide, surpassing the fatalities caused by floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and lightning. Emergency Services offers the following reminders on heat safety tips:
- Drink plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty.
- Keep yourself cool by using wet towels, putting your feet in cool water, and by taking cool showers.
- Spend as much time as possible in cool or air-conditioned buildings.
- Block out the sun at home during the day by closing curtains and blinds.
- Open the windows when there is a cool breeze.
- Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day. If you do have to go outside, wear a hat and sunscreen and seek shade.
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing made from natural fibers like cotton and linen.
- Eat smaller meals more often and cold meals such as salads.
- Make sure food that needs refrigeration is properly stored.
- Avoid heavy activity like sports, renovating, and gardening.
- Watch or listen to news reports to find out more information during extreme heat.
- Never leave children or pets in vehicles.
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