Residents are being asked to limit activity outdoors today through Saturday due to excessive heat.
An excessive heat watch is in effect Thursday afternoon through Saturday evening. Afternoon to early evening temperatures in that time frame will be in the 90s with heat indices from around 105 to 110 degrees.
Marshall County Emergency Management Agency Director Clyde Avery said the high heat combined with humidity will create dangerous situations with heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
“Heat exhaustion typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work outside in a hot, humid place,” explained Avery. “They’re not drinking enough water so they lose a lot of body fluid through sweating and the blood flow increases to the skin which causes it to decrease in some of the vital organs. They can experience things like nausea and dizziness and that type of thing.
“When you start feeling that you really need to start looking at trying to provide some relief before heat stroke sets in.
“Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation. That’s when a person’s temperature control system shuts down and the body stops producing sweat. Sweating helps to cool the body. At some point, it becomes a very deadly situation.”
Those who have to work outside during this hot stretch of weather should be mindful of symptoms of heat illness.
“Take as many breaks as you can. Find a shaded area or an air conditioned vehicle or building to get some relief. If at all possible, try and get the work done in the earliest part of the day before the heat sets in.”
Avery stresses that outdoor pets need special care also.
“Pets can get sunburned and they suffer the same types of medical issues that people do. Make sure they have plenty of fresh water, refill the water frequently during these types of temperatures, and make sure they have a shaded area where they can get out of the sun.” Libraries or other public facilities may be accessible to escape from the heat. Any organizations offering a cooling center may notify MAX News by emailing news@wkvi.com
