Montgomery Co. Issues Code Red Heat Emergency

NORRISTOWN, PA — While thunderstorms and rain head toward the region this week, Montgomery County authorities are preparing for a different extreme weather event: deadly heat.

County commissioners have declared a "Code Red" emergency for Tuesday, July 8 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The heat index is expected to soar over 100 on Tuesday, and will reach the upper 90s Monday, with crippling humidity punctuating the heat the lingers between bouts of storms.

"Extreme heat can cause illnesses including rash, cramps, exhaustion, and heat stroke. It can even cause death," officials warn.

Sensitive groups include:

• Lower income households
• Individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness
• Rural communities
• Residents in urbanized areas
• Infants and children
• Older adults
• Laborers
• People with chronic medical conditions
• Those who take certain medications
• Athletes

Cooling centers are established at the Montco Senior Adult Activities Center on 526 George Street in Norristown (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.), the Pottstown Regional Public Library on 500 East High Street (Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.), and the TriCounty Active Adult Center on 288 Moser Road, in Pottstown (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Find additional resources on the PA 2-1-1 website here.