Montco Code Red hot weather emergency issued for Sunday and Monday

The Montgomery County Commissioners, on the advice of the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services Office of Public Health, have declared a "Code Red" Hot Weather Emergency for Montgomery County based on a review of forecasts from the National Weather Service. The “Code Red” declaration has been issued for Montgomery County on Sunday, July 14, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Monday, July 15, 2024, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

A Code Red Hot Weather Emergency is declared when the temperature or heat index is expected to be at or above 100°F for two hours or more. Such conditions can be deadly, and residents should take precautions to prevent heat-related stress and illness.

Those especially at risk are lower income households, individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness, rural communities, residents in urbanized areas, infants and children, older adults, laborers, people with chronic medical conditions, those who take certain medications, and athletes. Friends, relatives, or neighbors should check on people who may be at risk. Seek medical attention if you are experiencing symptoms of heat-related illness, including muscle cramps, headache, nausea, or vomiting.

The following cooling resources will be available during the Code Red Emergency. Days and hours for each location are listed below.

NORRISTOWN COOLING RESOURCES

Norristown Hospitality Center

530 Church Street, Norristown, PA 19401

610-277-1321

Open during the hours of the Code Red Hot Weather emergency, including weekends

Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library

1001 Powell Street, Norristown, PA 19401

610-278-5100

Open Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

POTTSTOWN COOLING RESOURCES

Pottstown Regional Public Library

500 East High Street, Pottstown, PA 19464

610-970-6551

Open Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

TriCounty Active Adult Center

288 Moser Road, Pottstown, PA 19464

610-323-5009

Open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Access Services

To report a concern or request assistance, please contact the 24/7 mobile crisis line at 855-634-HOPE to be connected to ACCESS SERVICES Street Outreach.

ADDITIONAL PA 2-1-1 COOLING PROGRAMS

During a Code Red Emergency, extreme heat cooling programs for all residents in need are available at 70+ sites in the region. Find a resource near you by visiting the PA 2-1-1 website.

CODE RED HELP FOR VULNERABLE RESIDENTS

The County provides additional services during Code Red Hot Weather Emergencies for vulnerable populations such as:

• Those experiencing unsheltered homelessness: The Office of Housing and Community Development sends an alert to all Your Way Home providers. Street outreach teams and daytime homeless service programs provide water, cooling kits, and local cooling resources.
• Seniors: Montgomery County Office of Senior Services maintains a list of weather-sensitive older adults who are currently case managed and are contacted by a case manager during heat emergencies to provide guidance or assistance accessing cooling resources.

HELPFUL TIPS

• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated beverages.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• If possible, try to get outdoor work completed in the morning to avoid the warmest part of the day and take frequent breaks for water and shade.
• Keep windows and interior doors open when running a fan at home.
• Keep cool by seeking an air-conditioned building, such as a library, or senior center if available. If not, seek rest in the shade.

GET READYMONTCO EMERGENCY ALERTS VIA TEXT

Residents interested in receiving Code Red Weather Emergency alerts from the Office of Public Health directly to their phone may create a ReadyMontco account here. The ReadyMontco notification system delivers alerts about severe weather and other important events. Be sure to select the jurisdiction of residence or others of interest along with the types of advisories or alerts to be received for targeted notifications.

Low-income residents may be eligible for weatherization assistance to help make their homes more energy efficient and safe during weather emergencies. Please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Weatherization Assistance Program page for more information.

For general hot weather information, please visit the Montgomery County Office of Public Health Extreme Weather webpage.