As the low temperatures of autumn and winter approach, they establish measures related to types of shelters and heating sources restaurants can use.

The restaurant guidelines consider that the owners will not have to obtain a city building permit for prefabricated tents and canopies, but they will have to obtain a right-of-way permit, which applies for all shelters.

On the other hand, owners will need to get a building permit if they plan to use a shelter made of pliable material that is attached to their building but set up over a sidewalk. Similarly, these shelters will need a right-of-way permit of they block the sidewalk or street.

You can read: Restaurants in Philadelphia can increase indoor dining to 50% capacity

The restaurant guidelines specify that if the owners place a shelter made of non-pliable material like wood. They will also have to get a building permit too.

Restaurant guidelines for cold months

Electric, propane or natural gas heaters are allowed, but they have to be made specifically for outdoor use. If they are electric they must be placed three feet away from combustible materials. If the heaters are powered by propane or natural gas they need to be placed five feet away.

Concerning heaters, the restaurant guidelines say also that they must be secured and tamper-proof. The ones which use kerosene or open flames are not allowed.

Heaters powered by electricity, propane, or natural gas are authorized in outdoor dining areas. But only if they are manufactured for outdoor use.

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This season, which has been marked as a severe summer, with humidity likely to range from 45% to 50%, is a terrible scenario for vulnerable people who could suffer health problems due to extreme heat.

The Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services and the Office of Homeless Services set up a homeless outreach team because of the “Red Code” issue.

The thermometers indicate that the heat will raise its suffocating inclemency, a condition that endangers the homeless who gather in public parks and around fountains where they can get some heat relief.

City workers are offering hydration supplies, ambulatory medical checkups and the suggestion to go to a shelter, where the air conditioning would provide a respite from the sweltering air.

 Meteorological reports have predicted that thermometers will exceed 113ºF, so an excessive heat warning has been issued for the region, and the city extended a heat health emergency.

At last count, there were more than 1,000 people experiencing homelessness on the streets of Philadelphia. And for them, excessive heat can be as dangerous as the cold.

Translated by. José Espinoza

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