It’s gonna get real hot…how to beat it and stay healthy and safe!
By Christopher Miller
Welcome to June, 2024: the most turbulent month when it comes to temperatures.
From near-freezing overnight temperatures in the northern counties at the beginning of the month, to the announcement of this week’s potential record-setting heat event, we have certainly had our fair share of ups and downs.
It is true: we are in for an event that some meteorologists have originally called “a heat dome,” an oddly circular blob of heat and humidity just hovering over north central Pennsylvania into south-central New York, and we are right in the middle of it.
The latest estimates say to expect several (more than 6) days over high temperatures to range from 93* to over 100*. If you add in humidity, the heat index could rise to a temperature of 105* if not higher.
In other words: extended periods of time outside in the open elements are not recommended.
So what are the dangers of the extreme heat?
- Heat exhaustion.
- Heat stroke.
- Heat cramps.
- Heat rashes.
- Headaches.
- Dehydration.
What can you do to stay cool?
- Identify places in the community where you can go to cool off, like a library, mall, museum, coffee shop/cafe, or contact your local health department to locate a “cooling center”
- Install your window air conditioners as soon as possible
- Keep all windows and curtains closed at all times until the heat has broken, usually after 7 PM
- If you do not have central air conditioning in your home have one window fan in a second floor drawing air out of the home, and have a second fan in a first floor window drawing cooler are into the home at night. This will circulate the cooling air through the house overnight.
- Go for a swim, but remember to limit your time outside in the sun, because the sunburn isn’t worth it.
- Drink lots, and lots, and lots of water. Stay away from beer and soda – they just eat up all of the water in your body and will do more hurt than good.
Who do you contact if you’re not feeling well?
- Go to your local urgent care, doctor’s office, hospital, or call 911 if you cannot make the drive yourself.
- If you have elderly neighbors, check-in with them often, especially if they do not have air conditioning.
- Call somebody, anybody and they will help get what you need.
What are the signs of heat stroke?
- Throbbing headache
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Body temperature above 103*
- Hot, red, dry or damp skin
- Rapid and strong pulse
- Fainting
- Loss of consciousness
What are the signs of heat exhaustion?
- Chronic tiredness, sleepiness or lack of energy
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Sore or aching muscles
- Muscle weakness
- Slowed reflexes and responses
- Impaired decision-making and judgement
- Moodiness
