Heat Safety Tips from the Camp Hill Police Department

As the extreme heat continues, the Camp Hill Police Department would like to remind everyone to take necessary precautions to stay safe. Here are some helpful tips to protect yourself and your pets from the heat:

Heat Safety for People

• Hydrate Constantly: Drink plenty of fluids, such as water. If your urine becomes dark yellow, you are not drinking enough.
• Dress Smart: Wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing, along with a wide-brimmed hat to shield your face.
• Avoid Midday Sun: Plan outdoor tasks for early morning or late evening. Take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
• Find Relief: If your home lacks air conditioning, locate your nearest cooling center. Take cool showers or baths to regulate your body temperature.

• Look Out for Others: Check on elderly relatives, older adults, and neighbors who may be isolated or vulnerable to heat stress.

Heat Safety for Animals

• Never Leave in a Car: Even with the windows cracked, the inside of a parked vehicle can reach fatal temperatures within minutes.
• Protect Sensitive Paws: Asphalt and dark pavement can reach temperatures over 130 F in the sun, which can burn sensitive paw pads in minutes. Always check the pavement with the back of your hand for 7 seconds; if it is too hot for you, it is too hot for your dog.
• Limit Outdoor Exposure: Restrict outdoor exercise to early morning or late evening. Keep outdoor time short (5-7 minutes max for a potty break) to avoid heat stress.
• Provide Shade and Water: Always provide access to fresh, cool water. If your pets are outside, ensure they have ample shade (trees or tarps rather than unventilated doghouses).

• Watch Flat-Faced Breeds: Dogs with short snouts (e.g., Pugs, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs) cannot pant as effectively and are at extreme risk for heatstroke. Keep these animals, as well as older or overweight pets, indoors in the air conditioning.

Cooling Centers

If you need a place to cool off, please visit one of the following cooling centers in Cumberland County:

• Amelia Givin Library – 114 N Baltimore Ave, Mt. Holly Springs.
• Bosler Memorial Library – 158 West High Street, Carlisle.
• Coy Public Library – 73 West King Street, Shippensburg.
• East Pennsboro Library – 98 South Enola Drive, Enola.
• Fredricksen Library – 100 N. 19th Street, Camp Hill.
• John Graham Library – 9 Parsonage Street, Newville.
• New Cumberland Library – 1 Benjamin Plaza, New Cumberland.
• Simpson Library – 16 N. Walnut Street, Mechanicsburg.
• Big Spring Senior Center – 91 Doubling Gap Road, Newville.
• Branch Creek Place – 115 North Fayette Street, Shippensburg.
• Carlisle Senior Action Center – 20 East Pomfret Street, Carlisle.
• Schaner Senior Center – 98 South Enola Drive, Enola.
• West Shore Senior Center – 122 Geary Avenue, New Cumberland.

• Mechanicsburg Place – 97 West Portland Street, Mechanicsburg.

Stay safe and cool this summer!