The heavy rains of July 11 caused flood damage that will run into seven figures in the Town and Country readership area.
If was followed up last weekend with a heat wave that drove the temperature above 100 degrees in some places. It was hot – dangerously hot.
While some people were fortunate enough to whether the heat wave by staying indoors and sitting by the air-conditioner, there were many who were not.
Among them are folks whose job requires them to work outdoors or in places without air-conditioning, workers and volunteers whose tasks require them to be out in the dangerous heat while helping others, and those without the means to afford air-conditioning or other ways to keep cool and safe.
Some summer safety suggestions for you include: The hottest hours of the day are typically from mid-morning to mid-afternoon, avoid going outside during those times if you can; Dress lightly; Drink plenty of water and other fluids; Avoid drinking alcohol and beverages that are carbonated or contain caffeine when temperatures are high because they can lead to dehydration; Keep blinds and curtains closed from morning until the late afternoon to block extra direct heat from sunlight;
Move your exercise routine to early morning or later in the evening; Don't leave a person or a pet in the car in hot conditions. People and animals can succumb to heat exposure and death very quickly in a hot car, it's never safe; Properly supervise children during outdoor play in hot weather; Seek medical care right away if you become nauseous, start vomiting or experience cramps; Stay on the lowest level of your home; Use a fan and don't place it directly in front of a window because it may push hot air in. Try placing the fan so that it blows in the room and out the window instead;
Use small appliances like slow cookers and tabletop grills rather than your traditional oven or stove to keep kitchen heat down; and Verify that seat belts and car seat restraints are not too hot before buckling yourself or anybody else in your vehicle.
Older people are particularly at risk during hot weather. Some special considerations for keeping them safe during the summer include: Visiting elderly family members or friends twice a day during the hottest months of the summer;
If there is a heat hotline in your area, make sure that your elderly family and friends have the number and know when to call; Help them to get to know their neighbors. Isolated older adults are at a much higher risk of heat-related health problems and death; Talk to them about heat exposure-related symptoms and where to call for help; Look for public community center solutions that have air conditioning and provide transportation for elderly individuals.
Another fear during a heat wave is a loss of electricity. Storms passing through during hot weather add another level of danger. If the power goes off, so does the air-conditioner and fans.
The family and friendships of our small communities speak loudly when it comes to helping each other. It is a habit we must keep.
This has been proven time and time again.
Stay safe.