Dangerous conditions, Excessive Heat Warning extended through Tuesday

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF/AP) - The Excessive Heat Warning that has been in effect since last week has now been extended even further, until Tuesday at 6pm, for Philadelphia and surrounding counties.

Heat index values, otherwise known as the "feels like" temperature, are expected to be between 97 and 102 on Monday afternoon, and even higher -- 103 to 108 -- on Tuesday afternoon.

Also, the Office of the Camden County Health Officer issued a Heat Alert for Monday and Tuesday, from noon to 7pm both days.

Excessive heat causes dangerous health conditions due to prolonged hot temperatures coupled with high humidity. There is little relief at night due to higher than normal overnight temperatures.

Click here for tips on staying cool and safe from the city of Philadelphia, plus cooling centers and spray ground locations in the city.

Chris Gallagher with Philadelphia Corporation for the Aging said, "I think its important people realize how dangerous this is."

He's urging people without air conditioning to get out of the house because inside temperatures rise to dangerous highs and fans are a false sense of security. Instead, he suggests going to the mall, a city senior center, a library, or even ride a SEPTA bus.

You're asked to call the city's outreach team at 215-232-1984 if you see people who are homeless and suffering from the heat.

Seniors in distress or others concerned about a senior should call the PCA's HeatLine at 215-765-9040.

Heatline hours have been extended. A trained staff including nurses will help callers of all ages Monday from 8:30am until midnight, and Tuesday 8:30am to 6pm.

During a Camden County Heat Alert, "Municipalities are notified that it would be appropriate to open municipal cooling centers to the public," said Freeholder Carmen Rodriguez, liaison to the Camden County Department of Health and Human Services. "Each town in Camden County has identified and is responsible for activating its own municipal cooling center. Please call your municipality for the location of the closest cooling center."

The Camden County Freeholder Board is once again distributing free fans to Senior Citizens this year. Residents age 60 and older with an income of $25,000 or less are eligible to receive a fan at no cost. To get a free fan or more information, call the Camden County Division of Senior Services at 856-858-3220.

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