July 13, 1995
Press release from the office of Stephen P. Mullin, City Representative, Office of the City Representative, 19th Floor, 1650 Arch Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
"Hot Weather Health Watch" Issued As City Health Department Begins New "Hot Weather Health Watch/Warning System"
City Health Commissioner Estelle S. Richman today issued a "Hot Weather Health Watch" for Friday. July 14. She encouraged all Philadelphians to take precautions to avoid heat stroke, heat exhaustion. and other heat-related illnesses in the coming days.
The 'Hot Weather Health Watch' for Friday comes just as the Philadelphia Department of Public Health has adopted a new system to alert the public when high temperatures may become life-threatening, Commissioner Richman announced today. Developed by Professor Laurence Kalkstein of the Center for Climatic Research at the University of Delaware, and sponsored by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the new system is based upon research that 'identifies the weather Conditions which produce statistically significant increases in average daily mortality in Philadelphia.
On Thursday, July 13, at 2 p.m., the EPA will sponsor a press briefing on the system at 841 Chestnut St., in the 8th floor conference room.
Designed to provide the public with greater advance warning of dangerous heat, the new three-tiered comprised system consists of a Hot Weather Health Watch, Hot Weather Health Alert. and Hot Weather Health Warning. The first two levels will be issued by the Health Commissioner; the Hot Weather Health Warning will be issued by the Commissioner in cohabitation with the National Weather Service.
During the heat wave of June, 1993, the Phila. Medical Examiner's Office recorded 118 heat-related deaths. 'The substantial impact of heat on health is under-recognized because many of the most vulnerable people in our population are those already afflicted with other medical problems. Their deaths are often attributed only to a preexisting condition, rather than the heat,' Commissioner Richman said.
'Nevertheless, these deaths are preventable,' she stressed. 'If people are warned, educated, and learn to take precautions, we can save lives. That is why Philadelphia is undertaking this pilot project. We also hope that the use of the 'Hot Weather Health Watch/Warning System' here will assist in efforts to develop a national warning system that meets the needs of different parts of the country.'
In addition to older people, other groups at risk in extreme heat include people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, small children, those who work in a high heat environment, and persons-engaged in strenuous physical activity. Relatives and friends should ensure that older citizens use air conditioning and fans, or spend at least a few hours in an air conditioned environment such as a library, movie theater, shopping mall or senior center. All Philadelphians should avoid physical exertion in such high heat conditions.
In the past, the Health Department has issued warnings in Conjunction with the National Weather Service forecast of two consecutive days with a heat and humidity index of 105 degrees or more for at least 3 hours each day. These warnings were based upon subjective 'comfort levels,' not medical evidence.
"There is no established Scientific relation between 105 degrees and human health.' Professor Kalkstein said. 'An advantage of the new health watch/warning system for Philadelphia is the identification of high risk air masses that are actually associated with elevated mortality in the summer. In addition, by using National Weather Service forecast data for upcoming days. it will be possible to predict the arrival of a high risk air mass up to two days before its arrival.'
The new system identifies a high risk air mass through computerized analysis of National Weather Service prediction data. When such an air mass is detected, its impact on people is determined based upon a formula that includes the variables of temperature, time of year, and length of a given hot spell. Derived from a study of 20 years of weather and mortality statistics, the formula predicts when potentially deadly heat will arrive in the Delaware Valley.
Dr. Kalkstein research has demonstrated that different regions of the country are affected differently by the weather. Heat is linked to an increase in deaths in cities such as Philadelphia, Boston, and New York, but not in Dallas or New Orleans, where the climate produces less dramatic changes in weather. The system being introduced in Philadelphia is the first of its kind and researchers hope it will serve as a model for other cities.
The Philadelphia Hot Weather Health Watch/Warning System is activated through the following steps:
- National Weather Service 24 and 48-hour prediction data and other variables are evaluated four times daily at the University of Delaware to determine if a Hot Weather Health Watch is warranted. If conditions are met, the Health Commissioner issues a Watch.
- The next day, conditions are re-evaluated. If conditions are not met, the Watch is canceled. If conditions persist, the Watch becomes an Alert.
- The next day, following an Alert, conditions are re-evaluated. If conditions are not met. the Alert is canceled. It conditions persist, the Alert becomes a Warning.
When a 'Hot Weather Health Watch' is issued, Philadelphians of all ages should follow these simple rules:
- Avoid, as much as possible. working or playing in the hot sun or other hot areas. if you must be out in the sun, wear a head covering. A wide-brimmed hat or visor will not only protect your head from intense rays of the sun, it will also provide a shield for your eyes.
- Use air conditioners and fans. Open windows to release trapped hot air.
- Persons taking regular medication consult with their physician. Some medications cause at adverse reaction in hot weather.
- Wear lightweight clothing.
- Drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids, warm or cool. Because the body loses fluids in the heat, drinking lots of liquids helps to avoid dehydration.
- Maintain a normal diet.
- Shower or bathe in water that is near skin temperature.
- Do not leave older people or children alone in cars.
A 'Hot Weather Health Warning' signals the start-up of a number of the City's special summer heat programs, including the Philadelphia Corporation an Aging's telephone 'heatline,' home visits by special field teams, enhanced daytime outreach by the Office of Services for Homeless and Adults, Health Department inspections of boarding and nursing homes, and the Buddy System - the City's effort to encourage the public to look in on older friends, relatives, and neighbors.