Mayor
PENNSYLVANIA
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
(570) 208-4158- phone
(570 208-4101- fax
07/20/2011
CITY OF WILKES-BARRE ISSUES ADVISORY TIPS DURING EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH
WILKES-BARRE - Given the excessive heat forecasted for the next few days, the City of Wilkes-Barre is encouraging residents to stay indoors and keep hydrated to endure the hot summer weather. Children, people with chronic illnesses, the mental health population, and senior citizens are specific at-risk populations whenever the heat index rises to its current level. The city asks residents to keep a close watch on their young and old neighbors and family members during the heat watch.
The Wilkes-Barre City Health Department advises residents to avoid strenuous outdoor activity and to limit exposure to the sun and the heat over the next few days. Anyone who does venture out into the heat should take proper precautions including applying sun-block and hydrating before physical activity, not after.
"In this type of heat, there is always a high-risk of dehydration which can potentially have serious health implications," said Wilkes-Barre City Health Director Ted Kross, "Heat exhaustion and heat stroke may cause serious life threatening health issues." According to the Health Department, the warning signs of heat exhaustion are so mild that they can often go unnoticed until it becomes a serious problem. "The best advice for all people but especially children and the elderly is to stay in an air-conditioned environment and drink plenty of fluids," said Kross.
The City of Wilkes-Barre Fire Department will conduct periodic checks on the city's high-rise apartments and other senior housing facilities over the next couple days. "The fire department and ambulance services are fully-prepared for heat-related health emergencies," said Fire Department Chief Jay Delaney. The Fire Department would also like to remind residents that fire hydrants are strictly for emergency response and should not be used to cool-off in the heat.
All city residents are encouraged to escape the heat at the Kistler Pool. Until Monday, the daily pool pass fee will be waived to all city residents so people can bring their families and friends to the pool for free. The Food N' Fun in the park program will continue in the parks and playgrounds citywide and Department of Public Works operations will not be impacted by the heat.