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Very cold days and winter storms can be dangerous. That's especially true for older neighbors, people who are sick, and anyone who can't afford heat. A deep freeze can show up fast.
Very cold days and winter storms can be dangerous. That's especially true for older neighbors, people who are sick, and anyone who can't afford heat. A deep freeze can show up fast.
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What's happening?
What's happening?
Periods of extreme cold can arrive suddenly and last longer than expected. Ice storms, burst pipes, and heating system failures are serious risks for households that are not prepared. Climate change does not mean warmer winters everywhere, and extreme cold events remain a real and significant threat to health and safety in Philadelphia.
What is the City doing?
What is the City doing?
Learn what the City is doing to prepare and recover from Cold and Winter Storms.
What can you do?
What can you do?
Learn how to prepare and get ideas for taking action as a community. Checking in on neighbors. Building a block-level plan before a winter storm hits.
Gathering idea
Gathering idea
Talk with neighbors about who struggles most with the cold. Share heating assistance resources. Build a winter check-in plan so that when temperatures drop, everyone on your block knows how they are helping each other.
Speak up
Speak up
Find and contact your elected officials to advocate for meaningful change. A few ideas to get started below.
Find and contact your elected officials to advocate for meaningful change. A few ideas to get started below.
Learn more about "How Philly Works".
Advocate for heating assistance funding and utility shutoff protections.
Push for weatherization programs that reach renters, not just homeowners.
Organize a neighborhood winterization day to help neighbors prepare their homes for the cold season.
Connect with your council member about cold weather resources for your district.
Get help
Get help
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Text READYPHILA to 888-777 for alerts · Call 311 for City help · Call or text 211 for bills, housing, and more.
Emergency Resources
Emergency Resources
ReadyPhiladelphia Office of Emergency Management
The City of Philadelphia’s emergency information notification system is ReadyPhiladelphia. To sign up, text ReadyPhila to 888-777 or go to the link above to select additional alerts, select preferences, and choose the language. Most alerts are available in eleven languages: English, French, Arabic, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese, Simplified Chinese, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Swahili, and American Sign Language.ReadyPhiladelphia Office of Emergency Management
Code Blue City of Philadelphia
The City activates a Code Blue when we’re expecting very cold conditions. This includes when there’s precipitation and the temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower and when it feels near or below 20 degrees due to wind chill.During a Code Blue, the City takes special measures to keep people who are homeless safe. These measures include 24-hour outreach to find people who are homeless and transport them to safe indoor spaces, additional shelter beds and allowing homeless people to stay inside emergency housing throughout the day. Call (215) 232-1984 at the Office of Homeless Services to get help for someone living or sleeping outdoors.Code Blue City of Philadelphia
Helpline, Home Visits & Assistance Navigation Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA)
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging’s Helpline is an information and referral resource for older Philadelphians, someone caring for an older Philadelphian, or an older adult living with disabilities in Philadelphia. Calls can be made on behalf of a neighbor or someone you're concerned about. Call 215-765-9040Helpline, Home Visits & Assistance Navigation Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA)
Health Information Card Philadelphia Department of Public Health
Fill out a health information card and keep it with you in your wallet, purse or other safe place. A health information card will help you keep track of: emergency contact information, communication needs, any special equipment or supplies you require, important health information, and current medications. Health Information Card Philadelphia Department of Public Health
Mental Health and Public Health Emergencies Philadelphia Department of Public Health
Emergencies can make it hard to take care of your mental health. Being prepared can help. Make a plan to make sure your basic needs and support systems are available during an emergency.Mental Health and Public Health Emergencies Philadelphia Department of Public Health
For the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988. Free online screening and resources: www.HealthyMindsPhilly.org
Housing Resources
Housing Resources
Philadelphia Neighborhood Energy Centers Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA)
The network of 16 Neighborhood Energy Centers (NECs) serves as one-stop-shops for community members to learn about utility bill assistance programs, home repair and weatherization, budget counseling, and connection to services across the city.Philadelphia Neighborhood Energy Centers Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA)
Weatherization Assistance Program Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development
Pennsylvania’s Weatherization Assistance Program increases energy efficiency in homes by reducing energy costs and increasing comfort while safeguarding health and safety.Weatherization Assistance Program Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development
Heater Hotline ECA
The Heater Hotline program makes emergency repairs to heaters. This program is run by the Energy Coordinating Agency. It is supported by the Division of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) The Heater Hotline provides free emergency heater repairs for eligible households. If the Heater Hotline staff determine that your heater needs to be replaced, they will forward your application to PHDC’s Basic Systems Repair Program. To apply for heater repairs only, call the Heater Hotline at 215-568-7190.Heater Hotline ECA
Basic Systems Repair Program (BSRP) Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation (PHDC)
The Basic Systems Repair Program (BSRP) provides free repairs to correct electrical, plumbing, heating, limited structural and carpentry, and roofing emergencies in eligible owner-occupied homes in Philadelphia. Call 215-448-2160 or click the link above for more information. Basic Systems Repair Program (BSRP) Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation (PHDC)
Built to Last Program PEA
PEA is acting as an administrative backbone to allow housing programs to layer and streamline their services, and will add construction management services, additional grants and financing as needed. Built to Last seeks to restore the safety, health, affordability and comfort of existing affordable housing in a way that improves the long-term quality of Philadelphia’s housing, builds community wealth, and helps families avoid displacement and stay in their homes.Built to Last Program PEA
Habitability Standards for Renters in the Cold City of Philadelphia’s Department of Licenses & Inspections Quality of Life Department
Reliable heat is required by law during Heat Season, which runs from October 1 through April 30.Habitability Standards for Renters in the Cold City of Philadelphia’s Department of Licenses & Inspections Quality of Life Department
Renters' Rights Housing Equality Center
Philadelphia renters have the right to habitable conditions, including adequate heat. This document provides insight and templates to navigate Renter Rights issues.Renters' Rights Housing Equality Center
Adaptive Modifications Program (AMP) Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation (PHDC)
The Adaptive Modifications Program (AMP) is designed to help low-income individuals with permanent physical disabilities live more independently in their homes. It provides free adaptations to a house or an apartment, allowing easier access to and mobility within the home.Adaptive Modifications Program (AMP) Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation (PHDC)
Utility Assistance Resources
Utility Assistance Resources
LIHEAP - Low Income Home Energy Assistance Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance program (LIHEAP) provides cash grants to help Pennsylvania families pay their heating bills. Call 1-866-857-7095 or click the link above for more information. LIHEAP - Low Income Home Energy Assistance Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
PGW Assistance Programs and Grants PGW
Available to customers in 14 languages, sign up for Budget Billing, payment assistance, discounts on your gas bill or grants. Call 215-235-1000 or click the link above for more information. PGW Assistance Programs and Grants PGW
BenePhilly
BenePhilly offers free, one-on-one help to enroll Philadelphia residents in public benefit programs. These programs can help you afford some expenses, such as: Prescription drugs, Health insurance, Food, Property taxes, Heat and other utilities, Paying for college, and Disability benefits. A BenePhilly counselor can fill out public benefit applications with you and follow up on the status of your applications. Call the BenePhilly Helpline at (800) 994-5537. BenePhilly
USEF
UESF connects residents to income-based programs to help with utility bills, and supportive services to keep families in their homes through empowerment, education, self-sufficiency training, and ongoing case management.USEF
Education + Information Resources
Education + Information Resources
Family Emergency Plan OEM
Keep track of local emergency contacts, important phone numbers, medical information, and family meeting locations. Keep a copy within easy access so that you or your family members can refer to it in case an emergency happens.Family Emergency Plan OEM
READY Home, READY Business & READY Community Preparedness Workshops OEM
The Office of Emergency Management works with businesses and non-profit organizations like schools, places of worship, libraries, and community centers to prepare for any kind of emergency. Our READYBusiness and READYHome are free, hour-long, intense programs that will leave you knowing what to have in your hand, heart and home in the event of an emergency. If you’re interested in OEM visiting your neighborhood group or business, please email us at oem@phila.gov.READY Home, READY Business & READY Community Preparedness Workshops OEM
Streetsmart PHL City of Philadelphia
StreetSmartPHL is your portal for viewing real-time information about Streets Department core activities including Snow Plowing. The web mapping tool refreshes every 30 minutes with updated information from GPS devices installed in city vehicles.Streetsmart PHL City of Philadelphia
Community Response Partner Network (CRPN) Newsletter
The CRPN Newsletter is issued approximately every two weeks and in response to emerging public health hazards. The newsletters have seasonal preparedness information, such as "Staying Warm in Very Cold Weather". To begin receiving these newsletters and other essential information you can share with your trusted contacts, please enroll in the Community Response Partner Network (CRPN).Community Response Partner Network (CRPN) Newsletter
Philadelphia Department of Public Health Public Health Preparedness Community Resources
Order free educational materials, request training or resource tabling, sign up for webinars or newsletters. Public health emergencies are any disaster or crisis that can harm the health of Philadelphia residents and communities. The Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH) works every day to make sure Philadelphia is prepared. Our plans involve partners at the local, state, and federal levels, and the Public Health Preparedness Program (PHP) works with community partners and service providers to keep residents informed and safe.Philadelphia Department of Public Health Public Health Preparedness Community Resources
Transportation Resources
Transportation Resources
Philadelphia Zero Fare Program City of Philadelphia
Zero Fare supports free SEPTA transit for residents living near or below the poverty level. Philadelphia Zero Fare Program City of Philadelphia
Senior Fare Program SEPTA
Philadelphia residents age 65 and older ride all SEPTA buses, subways, and trolleys for free with a SEPTA Key Senior Fare card. Senior Fare Program SEPTA
SEPTA Access SEPTA
The SEPTA Access program provides paratransit service for individuals with disabilities and senior citizens.SEPTA Access SEPTA
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