Excessive Heat Risk Factors

Excessive heat is the deadliest weather-related hazard in Philadelphia. It can cause health problems,especially for seniors, pregnant woman, infants, and children.

 Be extra careful, if you have any of the following risk factors: 

• A chronic medical condition
• Take certain prescription and non-prescription medications (read the labels, and talk to your doctor and pharmacist)
• Are over 50 or under 5
• Are obese
• Have had a previous heat-related illness
• Have been drinking alcohol
• Use IV drugs
• Work in a high heat environment
• Engage in strenuous physical activity

Be a Buddy
Check elderly friends and neighbors, as well as those with medical conditions, and keep your pets cool. During Excessive Heat Warnings, the Philadelphia Health Commissioner will activate the Heatline at 215-765-9040 to provide heat-related information and assistance.

For more information on staying safe this summer, download the Stay Cool Guide, visit the Excessive Heat page on the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management website and check out the Stay Cool Interactive Map to find public pools, spray grounds and cooling centers near you.

Lighting Safety Week: Stay Safe in a Thunderstorm

All thunderstorms produce lightning and have the potential for danger. Those dangers can include tornadoes, strong winds, hail, wildfires and flash flooding, which is responsible for more fatalities than any other thunderstorm-related hazard.

Lightning’s risk to individuals and property is increased because of its unpredictability, which emphasizes the importance of preparedness. It often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall. Most lightning deaths and injuries occur when people are caught outdoors in the summer months during the afternoon and evening.

 During a Thunderstorm: 

• Stay inside a building or hard-top vehicle.
• Stay clear of tall, isolated trees, hilltops, open fields, beaches, or any metal objects that may act as lightning rods.
• Avoid showering, bathing, and using a phone that has a cord, except in an emergency. (Cordless and cellular phones are safe to use.)
• Unplug appliances, televisions, computers and air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
• If outside, take cover immediately but never stand under a tall tree in an open area.
• Don’t touch metal, electrical equipment, telephones, bathtubs, water faucets or sinks.

For more information, visit the Thunderstorms page of the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management website.

Mayor Nutter Appoints Samantha Phillips as Deputy Managing Director for Emergency Management

Philadelphia, June 12, 2012 – Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced Monday the appointment of Samantha Phillips to the position of Deputy Managing Director of the Office of Emergency Management (OEM).  Phillips will assume the post that was vacated by Liam O’Keefe, who recently returned to his home state of New York. In this role, Phillips will collaborate with City departments and external organizations to develop comprehensive emergency management plans to mitigate the impact of emergencies and guide the city through recovery efforts. 

“Sam has demonstrated strong leadership capabilities that have helped guide our city through several major winter storms during the past few winters, as well  as Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee,” said Mayor Nutter. “Because of her proven track record of steering multiple agencies, both public and private, in a coordinated effort during emergencies, I have every confidence that Sam’s role in leading OEM will make Philadelphia a more secure and resilient city.”

Chief of Staff and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Everett Gillison added, “In addition to her leadership skills, Sam has consistently shown her commitment to serving Philadelphians, especially those most in need during times of emergency.

In addition to her position at OEM, Phillips currently serves on the Executive Board of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Regional Task Force. Previously, she served as the Chair of the Task Force’s Human Services Workgroup. Phillips was recently named Chair of FEMA Region III Regional Advisory Council.

“I am very grateful to have been selected to lead the Office of Emergency Management,” said Phillips. “This is a tremendous honor and I look forward to leading our staff as we continue to enhance Philadelphia’s emergency preparedness plans, response and recovery efforts, and the city’s relationship with public and private emergency response partners throughout the region.”

Phillips has held several positions at OEM, most recently serving as Assistant Managing Director. Prior to that, she served as the Deputy Director for Planning where she oversaw the agency’s planning efforts, including Health and Medical, Human Services, Recovery, Weapons of Mass Destruction, and Hazard Specific planning programs.

Prior to joining OEM, Phillips worked with The George Washington University’s Office of Public Safety and Emergency Management. She also served as a member of the National Preparedness and Response Corps with the Southeast Louisiana Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Phillips received a Bachelor of Science from American University and a Master’s Degree in Public Health from George Washington. She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School, Center for Homeland Defense and Security.

Conserve Energy This Summer

During the summer months, energy usage can be very high. That's why it's important to conserve energy, not only to save money, but also to avoid over taxing utility systems, which can cause disruptions. With temperatures climbing and the summer approaching, here are a few simple tips from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on how to stay cool and conserve energy in your home:

• Only use the air conditioner when you are home.
• Clean or change your air conditioner filter at least once a month.
• Set your air conditioner's thermostat to no lower than 78F.
• Keep drapes closed and shades drawn to shield the suns heat.
• Use clothes dryers and dishwashers in the early morning or late evening, not in the heat of the day.
• Use a microwave instead of a conventional range or oven.
• Relax in rooms that do not receive direct sunlight or stay on the lowest floor of your home.
• Air leaks waste energy. Caulking and weather-stripping will help keep cool air in.

For more information on how to stay safe this summer, visit the Excessive Heat page of the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management website, www.phila.gov/ready.

Stay Safe in a Flood

With the heavy rain and flood advisories over the past week, make sure you know what to do in the event of flooding.

Flooding is the nation's most common natural disaster, and Pennsylvania has the highest flooding rate of any state. Last year, Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee caused severe flooding in Philadelphia, so it's important to know how to stay safe. 

When Inside or Outside During a Flood:

• Keep a battery-operated AM/FM radio tuned to a local station and follow emergency instructions.
• If flooding occurs and it is safe to move, go to high ground.
• If you're caught inside by rising waters, move to a higher floor. Take warm clothing, a flashlight, and portable radio with you. Wait for help. Do NOT try to swim to safety.
• If it is safe and you need to evacuate, take your Go Bag with you.
• When outside, remember: floods are deceptive. Try to avoid flooded areas, and do not attempt to walk across flood water more than knee deep.

In a Vehicle During a Flood:

• Avoid flooded roadways. Parts of the road may already be washed out, and you could become stranded or trapped.
• Never drive through flooded roadways. Just two feet of moving water can sweep a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) off the road.
• If your car stalls in a flooded area, abandon it as soon as possible. Floodwater can rise rapidly and sweep a car (and its occupants) away.

For information on flood preparedness, visit the Flood Preparedness page of the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management website.