Heat Advisory For Cumberland County
The National Weather Service In Mount Holly Has Issued A Heat Advisory For Cumberland County... Which Is In Effect Until 8 PM EDT This Evening.
Hazards...
- An Early Season Heatwave Is Underway...With The Most Dangerous Conditions In The Afternoon And Early Evening Hours. A Very Hot And Humid Air Mass Will Cause Temperatures To Swell Into The Mid And Upper 90s And Create Dangerous Conditions.
- Heat Index Values...Over 105 Degrees.
- Impacts...
- The Elderly...The Infirm...Children And Pets Are At Greatest Risk...Especially Where There Is No Air Conditioning. This Affects Outdoor Activities...Especially During The Afternoon Hours. Sleeping Can Be Disrupted Where Air Conditioning Is Not Available.
- Precautionary/Preparedness Actions...
- A Heat Advisory Means That A Period Of Hot Temperatures Is Expected. The Combination Of Hot Temperatures And High Humidity Will Combine To Create A Situation In Which Heat Illnesses Are Possible. Drink Plenty Of Fluids...Stay In An Air-Conditioned Room...Stay Out Of The Sun...And Check Up On Relatives And Neighbors.
- Take Extra Precautions If You Work Or Spend Time Outside. When Possible...Reschedule Strenuous Activity To Early Morning Or Evening. Know The Signs And Symptoms Of Heat Exhaustion And Heat Stroke. Wear Light Weight And Loose Fitting Clothing When Possible And Drink Plenty Of Water.
- To Reduce Risk During Outdoor Work...The Occupational Safety And Health Administration Recommends Scheduling Frequent Rest Breaks In Shaded Or Air Conditioned Environments. Anyone Overcome By Heat Should Be Moved To A Cool And Shaded Location. Heat Stroke Is An Emergency - Call 9 1 1.
Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion
- Headache, dizziness, or fainting
- Weakness and wet skin
- Irritability or confusion
- Thirst, nausea, or vomiting
What Should I Do If I Think I Have Heat Exhaustion?
If you think you have heat exhaustion, get out of the heat quickly. Rest in a building that has air-conditioning. If you can't get inside, find a cool, shady place. Drink plenty of water or other fluids. Do NOT drink alcohol or caffeinated drinks (such as soda). These can make heat exhaustion worse. Take a cool shower or bath, or apply cool water to your skin. Take off any tight or unnecessary clothing.
If you do not feel better within 30 minutes, you should contact your doctor. If heat exhaustion is not treated, it can progress to heatstroke.
Symptoms of Heat Stroke
- High fever (104°F or higher)
Severe headache
- Dizziness and feeling light-headed
- A flushed or red appearance to the skin
- Lack of sweating
- Muscle weakness or cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fast heartbeat
- Fast breathing
- Feeling confused, anxious or disoriented
- Seizures
Heatstroke is when the internal temperature of the body reaches 104°F. It can happen when your body gets too hot during strenuous exercise or when exposed to very hot temperatures, or it can happen after heat exhaustion isn't properly treated. Heatstroke is much more serious than heat exhaustion. Heatstroke can cause damage to your organs and brain. In extreme cases, it can kill you.
What Should I Do If I Think Someone Has Heatstroke?
If you think someone might have heatstroke, call emergency medical personnel immediately. While you are waiting for medical assistance, take the person into an air-conditioned building or a cool, shady place. Remove the person's unnecessary clothing to help cool him or her down. Try to fan air over the person while wetting the skin with water. You can also apply ice packs to the person's armpits, groin, neck and back. These areas contain a lot of blood vessels close the surface of the skin. Cooling them with ice packs can help the person cool down.