Pennsylvania's Aging Prisons Put Women and Seniors at Risk During Extreme Weather
Summary
Pennsylvania's outdated correctional facilities lack adequate climate control systems, leaving incarcerated women and seniors vulnerable to dangerous temperatures. When outdoor temperatures reach 103°F (39°C) or plummet to -9°F (-23°C), as occurred last year, prisoners cannot access air conditioning or warming centers. This creates serious health risks, particularly for older inmates and those with chronic medical conditions who are more susceptible to heat-related and cold-related illnesses. Experts warn that aging prison infrastructure fails to meet modern climate demands, raising public health and human rights concerns.
