The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat
Warning effective today and the rest of the week looks equally as hot and
humid. Livingston County is officially
in the midst of a heat wave.
Do you have a heat wave plan? Heat ranks among the top
weather-related killers in the United States, according to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The Missouri Department of Health advises residents to
expect more heat waves in the upcoming month, when temperatures exceed 95
degrees. Climate change is causing the average high temperature to increase and
for there to be longer and more frequent periods of extreme heat. Our bodies
have less chance to recover during hot days and warm nights, placing everyone
at risk for heat illness. When temperatures and humidity are high, sweat ceases
to evaporate and the body's natural cooling system slows down or shuts down
completely. Very hot weather can cause heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and severe
respiratory conditions, which can be fatal.
Extreme heat especially endangers seniors, young children,
people with disabilities, and individuals with breathing conditions and other
chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease, and other respiratory and cardiovascular problems. Those without
air-conditioning, fans, or access to cooling shelters are also at risk.
Livingston County Health Center recommends that every
household have a heat wave plan in case of power outages. Have air conditioners
serviced and obtain electric fans now. Keep cases of bottled water on hand.
Listen to news reports of the location of community 'cooling centers' -- often
public libraries or churches -- so household members know where they are
located if the power goes out. In our
county, the following locations serve as cooling centers during daytime hours:
Livingston County Health Center, Grand River Multi-Purpose Center (Senior
Center), Livingston County Library, Grand River YMCA, Calvary Baptist Church,
Community Resource Center, City Hall Walking Track and RSVP/Threads. For more specific hours, call the health
center at 646-5506. During extreme heat
days, people should check on their vulnerable family members and neighbors.
Locally, many will be exhibiting and visiting the Livingston
County Fair this week. The Health Center
would like to encourage everyone to keep themselves and their animals hydrated
this week during extreme temperatures and weather conditions.
Tips to prevent heat
illness:
Do not leave a
child or pets alone in a parked car, even for a minute. Call 911 if you see a
child left unattended in a vehicle. Carry water with you and drink continuously
even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks containing sugar, alcohol and
caffeine, which dehydrate the body. (Check with a doctor before increasing
fluid intake if you have epilepsy, heart, kidney or liver disease, or if you
are on a fluid-restrictive diet. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do
so by a physician.
Stay indoors on
the lowest floor possible. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Wear a hat
or use an umbrella. Use sunscreen. Sunburn slows the skin's ability to cool
itself, and has been linked to skin cancer. Avoid extreme temperature changes.
Be careful trying to cool down too quickly; a cold shower immediately after
coming in from hot temperatures can lead to hypothermia, particularly for the
elderly and children. In these cases, cool water is better than ice cold water.
Limit outdoor
activity, especially mid-day when the sun is hottest. Work out or hold team
practices early in the morning, or in the early evening.
Heed the following
heat danger warning signs and take suggested actions:
Heat cramps occur
in the muscles of the limbs or abdomen occurring during or after physical
activity in high heat. Sweating results in loss of fluids and salts that cause
muscle cramps. Address heat cramps by resting in a cool place and drinking
plenty of water.
Heat exhaustion is
more severe, occurring when a person is overheated along with reduced or
unbalanced intake of fluids. Symptoms include dehydration, fatigue, weakness,
clammy skin, headache, nausea and/or vomiting, rapid breathing, irritability,
and fainting. Take these simple steps to reduce heat exhaustion: Move the
person indoors or into shade. Loosen or remove the person's clothing. Encourage
the person with heat exhaustion to eat and drink. Get the person to a cool
shower or bath. Call your doctor for further advice.
Heat stroke occurs
when the body can no longer cool itself, and can be a life-threatening event.
Prompt medical treatment is required. Symptoms include: flushed, hot and dry
skin with no sweating; high body temperature (above 103 F, taken orally);
severe, throbbing headache; weakness, dizziness, or confusion; sluggishness or
fatigue; decreased responsiveness; and loss of consciousness. If heat stroke
occurs, take these steps: Call 9-1-1 immediately. This is a medical emergency.
Get the heat stroke victim indoors or into shade. Get the person into a cool
shower or bath, or wipe them down with continuously soaked cool washcloths
while awaiting emergency responders.
Extreme heat should be taken very seriously. Often people are already in the midst of a
crisis when symptoms become evident-stay hydrated and cool.
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