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Hot Days Turn to Hot Nights

Monday, July 31, 2006

PHILADELPHIA - July 31 2006 (WPVI) -- The oppressive heat that is gripping the region is now forecast to last through Thursday. The heat and humidity got to a lot of folks Monday, from the woman who feinted at the Phillies game, to the East Lansdowne firefighter who needed an emergency sniff of oxygen.

There was some relief at the Jersey Shore Monday night, but AccuWeather says land breezes are coming, so even the shore could end up being excruciatingly hot and humid over the next several days.

Monday night PECO's system operations center is relatively calm. The screens aren't blinking or beeping. But they are being monitored very closely during this extraordinary heat wave.

Everyone there is preparing for a possible week of record setting electric demand. The control room inside PJM Interconnection is also very busy. The company is a regional energy wholesaler that services 13 states and 51 million people. Terry Williamson/PJM: "We have an ample supply of generation. We don't see any transmission problems over the next couple of days. But, it requires extra vigilance. You have to make sure you keep a constant eye on the grid system." The high heat and humidity are proving to be challenges for both of these companies.

Monday night a group of senior citizens stayed cool by playing cards at their senior center in West Oak Lane. The center stays open late during heat emergencies.

Spencer Summers is doing what the City is urging everyone to do this week. Spencer Summers/MANSFIELD: "Drink lots of water, stay calm, relax, and don't bundle up too much because you over-heat your body." To avoid overheating many diners at a popular restaurant in Manayunk are opting to eat inside. Michael Riviere/WAITER: "Usually, right now we'd be filled up outdoors. No one wants to be outside it's too hot." But not for Dave Manley down the block, he's actually eating hot food outside in the heat. Dave Manley/SOUTH PHILADELPHIA: "It's not that bad out tonight. There's a light breeze. I prefer hot over cold." Is this extreme heat to you? "No." Experts offer the same advice every year for keeping cool, and they say that advice bears repeating. Among the tips: AVOID STRENUOUS OUTDOOR ACTIVITY

DRINK PLENTY OF NON-ALCOHOLIC FLUIDS

AND WEAR LOOSE FITTING, LIGHT-COLORED CLOTHING. The Philadelphia Corporation for aging is staffing its heat help line until midnight Monday night at 215-765-9040.

Operators will be back on duty Tuesday morning beginning at 8:30am.

COOLING CENTERS

Mercer County is making sure seniors and the disabled have a place to cool off.

During this heat wave, the county has designated local libraries and senior centers as cooling stations.

Trenton is providing seniors free transportation to air-conditioned senior centers, and a free lunch.

For information on your local cooling station, call the Mercer County Office on Aging EASE Program at 1-877-222-3737.

There is help available for anyone with concerns about the sweltering temps. The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging has activated its heat hotline. Operators are on duty from eight until midnight.

The number is 215-765-9040.

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