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Is It Hot Enough for Ya?

Hot Weather Safety Tips

With the heat indexes reaching dangerous highs this week of over 100°, make sure to check on those who are more vulnerable to heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke - kids, elderly, pets, etc.

Extreme heat should be taken seriously. According to the American Red Cross, excessive heat has caused more deaths than all other weather events, including floods.

  1. Watch for heat-related stress symptoms. Educate yourself on the signs of heat exhaustion and stroke using this helpful guide.
  2. Obviously avoid outdoor activities, drink more water if you must be out in the heat, and try to stay cool.
  3. If you usually leave your dog in the garage, find a cooler place for the duration of the hot weather. Garages can soar to much higher temperatures than just outside in the driveway.
  4. If you (or someone you know) doesn’t have air conditioning, make plans to spend the heat of the day somewhere cool - libraries, schools, theaters, malls, etc.
  5. Check on neighbors who are elderly, sick or overweight that may need extra help during the heat wave. People at higher risk for heat-related illness:
    • Infants and young children
    • People 65 and older
    • People who have a mental illness
    • Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure.

Heat Wave Terms

Heat Wave - Prolonged period of excessive heat, often combined with excessive humidity. Generally temperatures are 10 degrees or more above the average high temperature for the region during summer months, last for a long period of time and occur with high humidity as well.

Excessive Heat Watch - Conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event to meet or exceed local. Excessive Heat Warning criteria in the next 24 to 72 hours.

Excessive Heat Warning - Heat Index values are forecast to meet or exceed locally defined warning criteria for at least 2 days (typically daytime highs of 105°-110° Fahrenheit).

Heat Advisory - Heat Index values are forecast to meet locally defined advisory criteria for 1 to 2 days (typically daytime highs of 100°-105° Fahrenheit)


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