Allegheny County to Issue Code Red Heat Advisory for Tuesday, September 1, Wednesday, September 2, and Thursday, September 3 

PITTSBURGH – Allegheny County is activating a Code Red Heat Advisory for Tuesday, September 1, Wednesday, September 2, and Thursday, September 3 ahead of forecasted high temperatures that may pose a risk to vulnerable residents.   

The activation follows guidance from the National Weather Service and Centers for Disease Control’s HeatRisk tool, which evaluates the intensity and duration of the heat and the associated health dangers.  

To find a cooling center residents can call 211 or visit southwest.pa211.org/summer-resources/.  Communities are welcome to submit additional cooling center locations if they are not listed at southwest.pa211.org/agency-partners/ . 

As part of the heat response, the Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) and partner agencies will check on older adults, including outreach by home-delivered meals drivers and care management workers. Senior Centers continue operating on their regular schedules and can provide a cool place for community members seeking relief. Older adults may call the SeniorLine (412-350-5460) for assistance and can also visit Allegheny Connect for a countywide list of Senior Centers.  

Street outreach teams will connect with people experiencing unsheltered homelessness and provide water and cooling supplies.  Unhoused adults may go to Second Avenue Commons (700 Second Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219), every day, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Families experiencing housing instability should call the Allegheny Link (1-866-730-2368).    

Residents are encouraged to check on neighbors, friends, and family—especially older adults and those with health conditions—and to help spread the word about available cooling resources.  

Allegheny County Emergency Services reminds residents that heat is the leading weather-related cause of death nationwide—surpassing floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and lightning— and offers the following safety reminders:  

• Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water   

• Limit time outdoors, especially mid-day   

• Never leave kids or pets in a car   

• Check on your elderly neighbors or those without air conditioning   

If you need to be outdoors, be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion: dizziness, nausea, headache, or excessive sweating.  When in doubt, take a break, cool down and seek help.  

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