Where to find cooling centers in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A Heat Health Emergency has been declared in Philadelphia starting Thursday morning and ending Saturday, July 29, 2023. A number of different services have been activated to help keep everyone safe during this extreme heat.
With the heat hitting record temperatures this weekend in Philadelphia, about a dozen libraries in the city will be open as cooling centers on Saturday and Sunday. Residents can get out of the heat and into an air-conditioned space with access to books, computers, internet, and other library amenities.
Residents can get out of the heat and into an air-conditioned space with access to books, computers, internet, and other library amenities.
Here's a list of The Free Library cooling centers that will be open this weekend:
*All Free Library locations will be open to the public from 10 a.m. through 7 p.m.
- Cecil B. Moore Library | 2320 Cecil B. Moore Avenue 19121
- Charles Santore Library | 932 S. 7th Street 19147
- Blanche A. Nixon Cobbs Creek Library | 5800 Cobbs Creek Parkway 19143
- Fumo Family Library | 2437 South Broad Street 19148
- Haverford Library | 5543 Haverford Avenue 19139
- Joseph E. Coleman Northwest Regional Library | 68 W. Chelten Avenue 19144
- Lillian Marrero Library | 601 W. Lehigh Avenue 19133 |
- Logan Library |1333 Wagner Avenue 19141
- Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library | 125 S. 52nd Street 19139
- Nicetown-Tioga Library | 3720 North Broad Street 19140
- Northeast Regional Library | 2228 Cottman Avenue 19149
- Oak Lane Library | 6614 N. 12th Street 19126
- Widener Library | 2808 W. Lehigh Avenue 19132
ALSO SEE: Urban heat island effect: Why parts of Delaware Valley are hotter
Recreation center cooling locations:
*All parks and recreation locations will be open to the public from 11 a.m. through 7 p.m.
- East Passyunk Community Recreation Center |1025 Mifflin Street 19148
- Barry | 1800 Johnston Street 19145
- Smith | 2100 South 26th Street 19145
- Christy | 738 South 55th Street 19143
- Sayre | 5835 Spruce Street 19139
- West Mill Creek | 5100 Parrish Street 19139
- 8th & Diamond Playground | 800 Diamond Street 19122
- Penrose | 1101 West Susquehanna Avenue 1912
- Dendy | 1555 North 10th Street 19122
- MLK | 2101 Cecil B. Moore Avenue 19121
- Mander | 2140 North 33rd Street 19121
- Nelson | 2500 North 3rd Street 19133
- Waterloo | 2501 North Howard Street 19133
- Scanlon | 1099 East Venango Street 19134
- Pleasant | 6757 Chew Avenue 19119
- Lonnie Young | 1100 East Chelten Avenue 19138
- Stenton Park | 4600 North 16th Street 19140
- Francis Myers | 5801 Kingsessing Avenue 19143
- McCreesh Playground | 6744 Regent Street 19142
Click here to find a sprayground or pool in your neighborhood.
Heatline number and information:
The city's Heatline will be open between 8:30 a.m. and midnight. You can call it at 215-765-9040.
The City Health Department nurses will be available to speak with callers about medical problems related to the heat. Callers can also get advice on coping with the heat.
RELATED: Some common medications can cause heat illness, health officials warn
Beat the heat tips from health officials:
Health officials say some other ways you can stay safe and avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke while prioritizing your health include:
- Hydrate! Drink plenty of fluids.
- Try to wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
- Wide-brimmed hats and umbrellas are good for shade coverage
- If you do find yourself outside, take it slow and rest in a cool, shaded area
- If you're at home and don't have air conditioning, try cooling off at a shopping mall, library or senior center.
SEPTA Cooling Buses
The City of Philadelphia has partnered with SEPTA to station cooling buses with air conditioning that are available to the public at the following intersections:
- Germantown Avenue and Allegheny Avenue | 19133
- Wyoming Avenue and Rising Sun Avenue | 19120
- Broad Street and Snyder Avenue | 19145
- 52nd Street and Larchwood Avenue | 19143
Stay tuned for more CBS News Philadelphia Next Weather updates and forecasts as the week goes on.
