Okay, maybe we are beating a dead horse bringing this up again in yet another post, but we are very concerned about this weekend’s expected heat and the effect it can have on folks not ready for it.
This is the first real heat wave we have had in a while, and now is the time to start planning your weekend. For those of you that are looking forward to the Wood River City-wide garage sales or the Buffalo County Fair this weekend, you need to remember the tips we have given you for heat safety in previous blog posts.
Saturday's heat index could be between 100 and 105 degrees. Sunday and Monday could feel as hot as 110 in some places around the state! Western Iowa will be no diffeent. While we may hear of a few smaller storms out near Scottsbluff, there will be little to no relief from the heat except what you give yourself.This is serious business. Government data show that there have been more than 8,000 heat-related deaths in the U.S. in the 24-year period ending in 2003. Recent studies have shown that most heat-related deaths can be prevented with a little planning and some self-care.
As for our responders and firefighters out there, please be careful! This weekend’s weather and dry air will give life to grass fires and that could mean countless hours outside in your fire gear!
To all of our readers, please be mindful of your campfires, cigarettes, cigars and burn barrels. One small fire could threaten the lives of several firefighters in heat like this.
Please remember to check on the elderly this weekend. Heat like this is incredibly dangerous to those with pre-existing heart conditions and puts many at risk for heat exhaustion and even stroke.
Heat exhaustion can be a very real threat to even the healthiest of our readers. Please do not wait too long to recognize the symptoms and watch your children closely if you must be out in the heat. The signs of heat exhaustion include rapid heartbeat, cold clammy skin, nausea, dizziness, weakness and fatigue.
