Durham County Emergency Management issued the following announcement on Jul. 30.
With a heat index forecast of 101 today and possibly into Friday, Durham County Emergency Management officials are asking residents to use caution during these times of extreme heat.
Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat a body works overtime to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to illness and death. According to the National Weather Service, extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards. Heat waves also injure more people on average than all other natural disasters combined.
The following information, gathered from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), may help you and your family manage during this upcoming heat wave:
- Wear lightweight, light colored clothing.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Stay indoors and move to air-conditioned spaces in case of extreme heat.
- If using a face covering due to COVID-19 precautions, use one that is made of breathable fabric, such as cotton, instead of polyester. Don’t wear a mask if you feel yourself overheating or have trouble breathing due to the heat.
- Use sunscreen with an SPF higher than 15.
- Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Learn the signs here.
- Do not leave children in enclosed spaces, such as a car, when it’s hot.
Visit www.ready.gov/heat for more tips on how to stay safe during extreme heat events.
Original source can be found here.
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