Temperatures are expected to climb to the mid-‘90s today and Saturday. Residents are encouraged to take steps to reduce their risk of heat-related illness. Risks associated with a hot weather include:

Heat cramps – This includes muscular pains and spasms resulting from heavy exertion. These symptoms are often the first signal that the body is suffering from excessive heat.

Heat exhaustion – This includes fainting, rash, fatigue, and nausea. Skin may become clammy and moist.

Heat/sun stroke symptoms – These include hot, dry skin, the absence of sweat, nausea, confusion, and unconsciousness. This is a life-threatening condition. Seek medical care immediately.

To prevent risks from excessive heat, individuals should do the following:

Seek air-conditioning: If your home does not have air-conditioning, seek areas that do, including libraries, shopping malls, community/senior centers, grocery stores, and movie theaters during the warmest period of the day. If you must stay in a home without air-conditioning, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine.

Avoid strenuous activities: This is particularly true during the hottest time of the day. Individuals who perform strenuous work during the heat of the day are especially at risk. Take more breaks, do less intense activities. Be watchful for symptoms such as coughing or shortness of breath.

Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing: Light colors reflect the sun’s rays better than dark colors, which absorb the heat. Protect the face and head with a wide-brimmed hat.

Check on family members, neighbors and friends who are vulnerable. Move them to air-conditioned places if possible.

Drink plenty of fluids: Increase fluid intake even if you are not thirsty.

Never leave pets or people, especially children and infants, unattended in cars.

If heat risks do occur, cool the body as soon as possible, and call 9-1-1 for symptoms of heat stroke. For guidance about extreme heat, visit our digital library on the Emergency Preparedness webpage to access guides in a variety of languages.

STAY COOL!

Free fans are still available :There are still plenty of free fans available at the Edison Center, 701 W. Ormsby Ave. The fans can be picked up by seniors 60 and older as well as for individuals with documented, physical disabilities on Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents should ask for Alli Woosley or Sarah Teeters.

There are also fans at Neighborhood Place locations, as well as CenterWell Senior Primary Care and JenCare Senior Medical Center.