The heat has arrived here in Upper Dublin, and apparently everywhere else, causing the Montgomery County Health Department to issue a "Code Red" heat warning.
"A hot weather health warning is issued in the anticipation of an oppressively hot air mass with a heat index of 100 degrees or greater," the warning said.
In addition, the warning states that "such conditions have been associated with excess mortality, and residents should take precautions ... especially at risk are very young children, elderly adults, and people with chronic conditions.
The warning is scheduled to be in effect 10 a.m. through 8 p.m., each day through Sunday.
A current check of a Weather.com forecast currently puts Thursday's high at 98, Friday's at 102, and Saturday's at 98 degrees.
However, here in Upper Dublin, officials say they are prepared for the heat wave.
Patch spoke with Upper Dublin Township Manager Paul Leonard, who advises residents concerned about the heat or the elderly to register with the county's Special Needs Registry.
"Upper Dublin Township participates, along with the rest of the county, in that registry. It is possible for anyone that wants to to sign up [to be notified] about the heat emergencies," he said.
Leonard also said that the township does not provide cooling stations for residents unless there is an emergency power outage. However, the township is prepared for such an emergency.
"Our experience has been that a combination of many of the homes in Upper Dublin having air-conditioners and fans, as well as the elderly being checked on by the Special Needs Registry, people are in pretty good shape," Leonard said. "We do have water and a complete Red Cross station (at the township building) full of personal needs kits in the event that we have to open that up."
For those in need of some relief, the warning reminds resident of the following safety tips:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Wear light weight, light colored and loose fitting clothing.
- Try to get outdoor work completed during the morning, to avoid the warmest part of the day.
- Keep cool by seeking an air-conditioned building, if available, or seek rest in the shade.
Keep cool Upper Dublin, and please send any comments, pictures, or questions regarding the heatwave to editor Kyle Bagenstose at Kyle@Patch.com.
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