A safe and healthy home is our top priority, but when extreme heat strikes, homes without air conditioning can quickly become dangerous. The National Weather Service has issued a severe Heat Advisory for our area from Tuesday, June 30, through Friday, July 3, with heat indexes expected to reach 102 degrees.
Because overnight temperatures will remain high, homes may struggle to cool down. Please take this seriously—extreme heat can become dangerous very quickly, even for those who are young and healthy.
If your home becomes dangerously hot, please do not try to tough it out. There are places across our district where you can cool down.
Find Immediate Relief: Call 2-1-1
The fastest way to find the closest cooling center or cooling station is to dial 2-1-1 or search the United Way summer resources using your ZIP code online. Because locations and hours can change as local governments respond, always call to confirm a location is open before leaving home.
Local Cooling Centers
The following CitiParks cooling centers are scheduled to remain open from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. daily through Thursday, July 2:
- Beechview Healthy Active Living Center: 1555 Broadway Ave, 15216
- Greenfield Healthy Active Living Center: 745 Greenfield Ave, 15217
- Homewood Healthy Active Living Center: 7321 Frankstown Ave, 15208
- Sheraden Healthy Active Living Center: 720 Sherwood Ave, 15204
- South Side Healthy Active Living Center: 12th and Bingham Streets, 15203
These centers are open to the everyone (not just older adults) and will hae food, drinks, and snacks available.
Allegheny County Resources
Older Adults: Call the Allegheny County Senior Line at 412-350-5460 for help finding a safe place to cool down.
Adults Experiencing Homelessness: Visit the Second Avenue Commons Engagement Center (700 Second Ave, 1st Floor, 15219) from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Phone: 412-775-9001.
Westmoreland County Resources
Select libraries are serving as cooling spaces during normal operating hours (please call ahead to confirm):
- Norwin Public Library: 100 Caruthers Lane, Irwin (724-863-4700)
- Penn Area Library: 2001 Municipal Court, Harrison City (724-744-4414)
- Trafford Library: 416 Brinton Avenue, Trafford (412-372-5115)
Older Adults: The Jeannette Center for Active Adults (211 Gaskill Ave) may be available. Call the Area Agency on Aging at 724-830-4444.
Know the Signs of Heat Illness
Pay attention to what your body is telling you, and check on your neighbors—especially older adults, people with disabilities, and anyone living alone.
Heat Exhaustion
Signs: Heavy sweating; headache, nausea, or dizziness; weakness; muscle cramps; extreme thirst; pale/cool skin.
Action: Move to an air-conditioned area, loosen clothing, apply cool wet cloths, and sip water. Seek medical help if symptoms do not improve.
Heat Stroke (Medical Emergency)
Signs: Confusion or slurred speech; fainting; seizures; very hot skin (dry or sweating); dangerously high body temperature.
Action: Call 911 immediately. Begin cooling the person with cold water or ice while waiting for help. Do not leave them alone.
Protecting Your Home, Family, and Pets
Keep the heat out: Close blinds and curtains during the day. Avoid using your oven or large appliances.
Hydrate: Drink water regularly before you feel thirsty.
Cool down: Take a cool shower or bath. Remember that fans do not protect against heat illness in rooms hotter than 90 degrees.
Protect your pets: Keep pets indoors with AC and fresh water. Walk dogs in the early morning or late evening. If the pavement is too hot for the back of your hand, it will burn their paws. Note: If you need a cooling center, call 2-1-1 first to confirm their pet policy.
Work safely: If you work outdoors or in a hot building, take frequent shaded breaks, drink water, and use a buddy system.
Power Outages and Utility Help
If your power goes out, report it directly to your electric utility and stay at least 30 feet away from any downed lines (call 911 to report them).
Duquesne Light: 888-393-7000
West Penn Power / FirstEnergy: 888-544-4877 (or text OUT to 544487)
If you are struggling to afford the cost of keeping your home cool, contact your utility to ask about customer-assistance programs, or call the PA Public Utility Commission at 1-800-692-7380.
Please stay safe during this heatwave and be sure to check on your neighbors.
