By Ava Gates
As summer temperatures rise, so do the risks associated with extreme heat and humidity. During Code Red alerts, it’s crucial to stay informed and take steps to keep yourself and others safe. Whether you need a break from the sun or a quick hydration boost, there are local resources available to help you stay cool and healthy.
What is Code Red?
Code Red is a severe weather alert created by the Lancaster County Housing and Redevelopment Authority. This alerts their partnering organizations and shelters to prepare for extreme weather that may impact those facing homelessness. A Code Red alert is announced for extreme heat, and similarly a Code Blue alert is announced for extreme cold conditions.
These alerts account for the real feel of the weather and other factors like humidity, time of day, temperatures, wind chill, and duration of the weather. Lancaster County Housing and Redevelopment Authority announced the first Code Red of the summer that lasted from Sunday, June 22 until Wednesday, June 25.
What can you do if you need help?
When a Code Red alert is issued, agencies that have shelters or other resources for homeless individuals will plan to open their doors and provide cooling essentials like water, Gatorade, air conditioning, and food or snacks. Typically, these agencies will announce if they will be open during Code Red. You can call 211 or check the respective organization’s social media pages or their website for more information.
If you are experiencing homelessness and need resources during Code Red, the best place to start is by calling 211. 211 is a non-emergency human resources hotline where individuals can call to be connected with comprehensive information and referral services in a caller’s local area. The 211 staff will be able to help you find the nearest cooling station to find some relief and stay hydrated. If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness, don’t hesitate to contact 211 and find the resources you need.
How can you support organizations with cooling stations?
When agencies open their doors during the extreme heat, it may be outside of their regular hours or when they don’t have enough resources to serve their clients. So, how can you help?
If an organization is seeking volunteers to assist with running a cooling station or preparing their space for clients, offer your support. If you can’t volunteer or there are no volunteer needs, ask an organization what supplies they may need. Donate cases of water, Gatorade or other sports drinks, hydration drink mixes like Liquid IV, battery powered fans, snacks, and more. Be sure to contact the agency you plan on donating to and ask what their specific needs are.
How can you stay safe in the heat?
There are many steps you can take to keep yourself safe from extreme heat. The American Red Cross has a great Extreme Heat Preparedness Checklist. This includes a list of supplies you should have in case of an emergency, how to stay properly hydrated, staying cool, and preventing heat illnesses.
- Be aware of heat illness symptoms
- Heat cramps, exhaustion, and stroke are all dangerous heat illnesses you are at risk of when exposed to extreme heat and not properly hydrated. Be aware of the symptoms of heat illnesses and seek medical attention if necessary. If you are experiencing symptoms of heat illness, call 911 to receive medical care.
- Find shelter
- Staying out of the sun can be tough, but it is essential to keep yourself safe in the hot weather. Try to stay inside if possible and if you can’t, find some shade or find a space you can take shelter in such as a cooling station or even a public library.
- Hydrate. Hydrate. Hydrate.
- Make sure your body has enough water and electrolytes to stay energized, hydrated, and healthy. Try to avoid drinking caffeinated or alcoholic drinks during the heat as they can cause you to become dehydrated faster. So, although that iced coffee may be refreshing at the moment, switch it out for some water.
- Be aware of the side effects of any medication you are taking
- The CDC outlines a few medications that could put you at risk of heat illness or put your medication at risk of not properly functioning.
- Medications that alter your body’s fluid balance, like diuretics, can leave you at a greater risk of heat-related illnesses. Certain antifungal medications and antibiotics may make your skin more sensitive to sun exposure. Types of antidepressants and anxiety medications that are SSRIs or TCAs can also put you at a greater risk of heat illnesses because they lower your intolerance to heat. Other medications like inhalers, EpiPens, and insulin are more likely to break down in extreme heat. If you have any concerns or questions about medication you are taking and if it could be affected by the heat, please contact your health care provider.
Do you need additional resources?
For any information surrounding cooling station locations or other resources for Code Red, contact 211. The call center staff will be able to answer any housing or Code Red related questions you may have. They will also be able to point you in the right direction for services in your community. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. And remember to stay cool!
