Heat advisory set in Ohio, 100+ degree weather coming. How to stay cool, latest forecast
According to the National Weather Service, the majority of the state will be under a heat advisory on Thursday, July 24, with heat index values — the measure of how hot it feels — of up to 104 degrees.
And, the extreme heat could increase the potential for your car to break down as well as create a power outage at home because of the increased load on the electrical grid.
Do you know what to do to keep yourself cool and safe during extreme heat? Here are some tips from the Ohio Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, among others.
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How to stay cool during Ohio's heat wave
When the temperatures climb, the Ohio Department of Health has some advice on how to stay safe and cool.
High-risk groups during a heat wave include infants, young children and older adults, according to the ODH, along with people with mental illness and chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, obesity, and poor blood circulation. People who are pregnant, work and exercise outdoors, and those without air conditioning in their homes are also considered high risk.
Here's what ODH recommends:
Drink cool fluids: Help your body cool down by staying well-hydrated with water. Don't wait until you are thirsty to start drinking water. Drink two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside, and more on hot and humid days. Avoid alcohol or caffeine; they can add to dehydration and increase the effects of heat illness.
Monitor or limit outdoor activities: Plan outdoor activities for the early morning or evening, when the sun is less direct and temperatures are generally cooler. Wear loose, breathable, light-colored clothing and a wide-brim hat, and use sunscreen that's at least SPF 30. Take frequent breaks in the shade or the air conditioning, and monitor youngsters playing outside.
Check on your neighbors, family: Check on older neighbors, friends, and family, as well as those with chronic medical conditions, at least twice a day. Encourage them to stay in the air conditioning and to look for an air-conditioned shelter if necessary. Recommend that they take cool showers or baths to cool down.
Don't forget your pets: Outdoor animals should have plenty of fresh water and a shady area to cool down. Also, never leave pets in vehicles. Even if the windows are cracked, the temperature inside can rise almost 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes.
Heat waves and power outages: What to do if you lose electricity, AC
Weather forecast for Akron, Canton, Columbus, Cincinnati
Here's how hot it's expected to get around Ohio, according to the National Weather Service extended forecast.
In the Akron-Canton region, the high today, July 23, will be near 90. The heat really hits on Thursday, July 24, when the high will be 93 with the heat index making it feel 101 degrees. And on Friday, July 25, temperatures will reach 88 degrees, with the chance of showers or thunderstorms.
In Cincinnati, the high temperature will be near 93 today, July 23. On Thursday, July 24, the high will be 95 with the heat index reaching 106. And on Friday, July 25, the high will drop to 94 with the chance of rain.
In Columbus, the temperatures today, July 23, will reach 91 degrees. The high on Thursday, July 24, will be near 94 degrees, with the heat index reaching 100. On Friday, July 25, the high temperature drops to 92, with the chance of showers or storms.
What is the heat index?
The heat index is the measure of how hot it feels when the air temperature is combined with the relative humidity, according to the NWS.
It shows how comfortable it is to be outside since the body feels hotter in humid conditions. The more humid it is, the less sweat evaporates from people outdoors because the air already has so much moisture in it. That impacts the body's ability to cool itself, making it feel hotter.
Know the symptoms of heatstroke, heat exhaustion and how they're different
Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition characterized by several symptoms:
A body temperature of 103 degrees or higher
Red, hot, and dry or damp skin
Rapid, strong pulse
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Confusion
Unconsciousness
People experiencing heatstroke need immediate medical assistance – call 911.
Before help arrives, begin cooling the exhausted individual by any means possible, such as spraying them with a garden hose or using cool cloths. Move the person to a cooler place.
Heat exhaustion is characterized by several symptoms:
Heavy sweating
Cold, pale, and clammy skin
Fast, weak pulse
Muscle cramps
Tiredness or weakness
Dizziness
Headache
Nausea or vomiting
Move the exhausted person to a cool place, loosen their clothing, and have them sip water. If possible, put cool, wet cloths on the person or have them take a cool bath.
If the individual begins throwing up, or if symptoms get worse or last for over an hour, then call 911.
Pets in the heat: How to keep your dogs and cats safe and cool during the heat wave
How to prepare for a heat wave and power outage
If a heat wave is coming, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, American Red Cross and others have some advice on how to prepare for the hot weather and potential outages:
Keep the heat out: If you are without air conditioning or lose power, you should try to keep the heat out of your house by closing the curtains or installing reflectors, such as cardboard covered in aluminum foil, to reflect the heat back outside, according to Ready.gov, a national public service campaign to help Americans prepare for emergencies and disasters. FEMA also recommends moving to the basement or the lowest floor of the building since heat rises.
Let some air in: If it's under 95 degrees, FEMA recommends opening a window and placing a fan near it to help with evaporative cooling. But keep the windows shut if the air temperature is about 95 or above. UNICEF recommends opening the windows at night to let in cool air.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps prevent heat illnesses, according to the Red Cross, which says the average person needs about three-quarters of a gallon daily. Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks. If you sweat a lot, add snacks or a sports drink to replace the salt you're losing.
Gather emergency supplies: The Red Cross recommends having a two-week supply of food, water and medication on hand in case stores are closed during an outage. The organization advises having one gallon of water per person, per day, available in the event of an emergency.
Be prepared to leave: FEMA recommends spending the hottest part of the day in a public building with air conditioning, such as a library, shopping mall or designated cooling center in your community, if your power is out. The Red Cross recommends having a go-kit — three days of supplies, including backup batteries and chargers for your devices — that you can carry with you in case you can't return home for a while.
Protect these medications from summer heat
If you have been prescribed medications, the heat can affect them if they are not stored properly (such as by leaving them in a hot car). And, some medications can make you more sensitive to the sun and heat, according to the Drug and Poison Information Center.
Medicines affected by extreme heat include:
Insulin
Asthma inhalers
Thyroid medications
Epinephrine
Medications that can increase the chance of a sunburn include:
Acne medications
Antibiotics
Antihistamines
Blood pressure medications
Antipsychotics
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Oral contraceptives
Sulfonylureas (used to treat type 2 diabetes)
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Heat advisory in Ohio: Weather forecast, tips to stay cool, safe
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