Residents Urged To Be Cautious During Extreme Heat
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory and a fire weather warning for our area today. The weather is very hot and heat exposures could cause physical problems. Residents are cautioned to limit outdoor activities in the sunny heating portions of the day. Caution should be given to outdoor grilling and use of firepits in this unusually dry weather. Residents should be attentive to local media for information regarding hot weather activities.
At this time the City is not cancelling any planned Parks and Recreation activities, and barring any unusual event or severe weather conditions, the Freedom Festival and parade is planned to go as scheduled. Mifflin Fire Department and the Gahanna Police Department want to be sure the residents know that individual fireworks are prohibited and the ban will be enforced. The State Fire Marshall will continually monitor the dry conditions with regard to public fireworks displays.
City swimming pools will be open for hot weather relief. Please call the City of Gahanna Parks and Recreation (342-4250) for information.
In case of electrical issues such as rolling blackouts or power outages due to excessive cooling use, residents should be prepared. Use of candles for lighting should be carefully managed.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Your best defense against heat-related illness is prevention. Staying cool and making simple changes in your fluid intake, activities, and clothing during hot weather can help you remain safe and healthy.
Heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can strike at any time. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, headache, absence of perspiration and dry, hot flushed skin. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
Be sure to think of your pets too. Never leave an animal in the car on hot days and be sure they have plenty of fresh water when outside. Avoid leaving your pet outside on hot, humid days. Bring your pet in when you can.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
• Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death. During conditions of extreme heat, spend time in locations with air-conditioning such as shopping malls or public libraries.
• Please be sure to check on your neighbors, especially those who have no air conditioning, have a chronic disease or respiratory ailment, and are elderly.
• Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages and increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. Water is your best option - do not wait until you are thirsty.
• During heavy exercise in a hot environment, be sure to drink two to four glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour.
• Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home. Eat light meals.
• Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
•
Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open.
• Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a hat.
• If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas so that your body's thermostat will have a chance to recover.