Community Corner

Caution: Hot Weather Ahead This Week!

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory on Monday. Temperatures are forecast to remain in the 90s during the day for the rest of the week. Keep reading for how to avoid heat stroke, get cool, and keep your pets safe from the heat!

On Monday, the NWS issued a heat advisory for Clinton. But the heat isn't stopping there- it plans to hang around for the rest of the week, with temperatures forecast to stay in the 90s during the day.

"The highest heat values will occur in the afternoon into early evening hours," the NWS said. 

If no protective action is taken, initial impacts include fatigue. Sunstroke, muscle cramps, and/or heat exhaustion are also possible.

"A heat advisory is issued if the heat index values reach 100 to 104 degrees. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air conditioned room. Stay out of the sun. And check up on relatives and neighbors," the NWS said on their website

"Anyone overcome by hear should be moved to a cool and shaded location," they say. "Heat stroke is an emergency, call 911." 

Forecast

Here's the forecast for Clinton this week:
  • Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 90. North wind 5 to 8 mph.
  • Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southeast wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening.
  • Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 90. South wind 3 to 8 mph.
  • Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 71. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
  • Thursday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
  • Thursday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 73.
  • Friday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 88.
  • Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 75.
  • Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 86.
  • Saturday Night: Scattered showers and thunderstorms. Some of the storms could produce heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Heat Stroke

Here are some tips from the Mayo Clinic on how to avoid heat stroke: 

Heatstroke is predictable and preventable. Take these steps to prevent heatstroke during hot weather:
  • Wear loosefitting, lightweight clothing. Wearing excess clothing or clothing that fits tightly won't allow your body to cool properly.
  • Wear light-colored clothing if you're in the sun. Dark clothing absorbs heat. Light-colored clothing can help keep you cool by reflecting the sun's rays.
  • Drink plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated will help your body sweat and maintain a normal body temperature.
  • Take extra precautions with certain medications. Be on the lookout for heat-related problems if you take medications that can affect your body's ability to stay hydrated and dissipate heat.
  • Never leave children or anyone else in a parked car. This is a common cause of heat-related deaths in children. When parked in the sun, the temperature in your car can rise 20 degrees F (more than 6.7 C) in just 10 minutes. It's not safe to leave a person inside a parked car in hot weather for any period of time, even if the windows are cracked or the car is in the shade. When your car is parked, keep it locked to prevent a child from getting inside.
  • Take it easy during the hottest parts of the day. If you can't avoid strenuous activity in hot weather, follow the same precautions and rest frequently in a cool spot. Try to schedule exercise or physical labor for cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening. Taking breaks and replenishing your fluids during that time will help your body regulate your temperature.
  • Get acclimatized. Limit the amount you spend working or exercising in the heat until you're conditioned to it. People who are not used to hot weather are especially susceptible to heat-related illness, including heatstroke. It can take several weeks for your body to adjust to hot weather.
  • Be cautious if you're at increased risk. If you take medications or have a physical condition that increases your risk of heat-related problems, avoid the heat and act quickly if you notice symptoms of overheating. If you participate in a strenuous sporting event or activity in hot weather, make sure there are medical services at the event in case a heat emergency arises.
Read the full story at the Mayo Clinic website.

Here is some information from the Centers of Disease Control Prevention on what to do is someone is suffering from heat stroke

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related disorder. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given.

Symptoms of heat stroke include:

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  • Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
  • Hallucinations
  • Chills
  • Throbbing headache
  • High body temperature
  • Confusion/dizziness
  • Slurred speech
First Aid

Take the following steps to treat a worker with heat stroke:

  • Call 911 and notify their supervisor.
  • Move the sick worker to a cool shaded area.
  • Cool the worker using methods such as:
  • Soaking their clothes with water.
  • Spraying, sponging, or showering them with water.
  • Fanning their body.

Stay Cool

If you need a place to get cool, check out the Henry Carter Hull Library.

Don't Forget Your Pets

This hear can be dangerous for your pets so don't forget to keep them safe. Here are some tips from The Humane Society: 
  • Never leave your pets in a parked car
  • Watch the humidity
  • Limit exercise on hot days
  • Don't rely on a fan
  • Provide ample shade and water
  • Cool your pet inside and out
Read the full article here

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