Citywide Heat Wave Alert

A heat wave in Florence, beginning today, has caused the Civil Defense to issue the code orange for the next few days. The thermometer is expected to reach above 100 degrees (38 degrees celsius) on Thursday and Friday; the heat will soar on Thursday so the weather alert will be upgraded to code red. 

Some guidelines that the city suggest people who are the most at risk (senior citizens, children, chronically ill, and those not self-sufficient) to follow include: refrain from going outside during the hottest hours of the day, wear light clothes and keep your head out of the sun, increase water intake, and eat light and healthy food. 

The Welfare Department of Palazzo Vecchio has set up several services for seniors who are at the most risk during this heat wave. Relief shelters are available for elderly to be checked into to ensure family members that they are safe. Also, families and doctors of people who are 75 years of age or older who are living alone can request to activate a surveillance system that carries out frequent telephone monitoring. 

In addition, other resources will be available for those in need, such as home care, meals at home, day-care centers, tele-assistance, and activities will also be organized at various senior centers. (sierra case)

To read more in Italian, visit Florence’s La Repubblica news site here.