HOUSTON COUNTY, Ala. (WDNews) In light of the approaching triple-digit temperatures and the arrival of summer, officials are advising citizens to take safety measures to avoid severe heat.
To help prevent heat-related diseases, local emergency organizations and the National Weather Service have given a number of safety suggestions. Important tips include wearing light, loose-fitting clothing, drinking lots of fluids even if you’re not thirsty, and staying inside during the hottest parts of the day (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
To keep safe, people who work outside are especially urged to apply sunscreen, use the buddy system, and take frequent breaks in air-conditioned or shaded spaces. It is also recommended that employers keep an eye out for symptoms of heat exhaustion in their employees.
Children and pets should never be left in parked cars, even for a brief period of time, parents and pet owners are warned. A car’s interior can rapidly heat up to lethal temperatures.
Additionally, residents are urged to visit their neighbors, particularly those who are elderly or do not have air conditioning. Those without access to a cool spot can find the closest public cooling shelter or inquire about their choices with the local emergency management.
It is essential to plan ahead. Building an emergency package, creating a backup plan for power outages, and compiling a list of friends and family members to contact during heat waves are all suggestions made by the National Weather Service.
Go to weather.gov for further resources and advice on staying safe in the heat.
