'Code Red' Hot Weather Emergency Declared In Montgomery County

NORRISTOWN, PA — Montgomery County officials on Thursday declared a 'Code Red' hot weather emergency, as the region is expected to be pummeled with extremely high temperatures.

County commissioners, on the advice of officials from the Montgomery County Department of Public Safety, said the emergency was born out of a review of weather forecasts from meteorologists, who are predicting soaring temps as the day progresses.

The 'Code Red' declaration will commence on Thursday at 11 a.m. and end by 8 p.m.

The county said that such emergency alerts are issued in anticipation of an "oppressively hot air mass" with a head index of 100 degrees or greater, which is expected to occur Thursday between the hours of noon and 6 p.m.

"Such conditions can be deadly, and residents should take precautions to prevent heat-related stress and illness," the county commissioners wrote in a news release. "Those especially at risk are very young children, elderly adults, and people with chronic medical conditions, and who take certain medications."

Officials urged friends, relatives and neighbors to make sure to check in on any at-risk individuals in the community.

Montgomery County residents in need of emergency shelter to escape the heat can call the Your Way Home Call Center at 2-1-1 or text their zip code to 898-211.

Individuals are urged to stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing, and stay in an air-conditioned space, if at all possible.