Beat the heat and stay prepared this holiday weekend

EVANS, GA. (WJBF) – The holiday weekend is almost over, and lake-goers are taking precautions to beat the heat.

“We got a water cooler that we plan on trying to drink a bottle every hour, you know, on the hour and see where that gets us,” said Casey Mccall, a lake-goer.

Some planned a family reunion with family from Atlanta and Ohio coming down to Evans and would not let the heat index stop their plans.

“We want to make sure everyone stays healthy and cool by having a lot of water out here. Make sure they have their suntan lotion from the sun. Make sure they have shades for their chairs, and we have this nice pavilion that were covered up under to stay cool,” said Alyssa Brinson, a lake-goer.

People also made sure to hydrate before coming to the lake as well because of the heat index.

“This kind of heat I don’t think anybody truly gets used to,” said Casey Mccall, a lake-goer.

Dizziness, nausea, weakness, and confusion are some signs of heat exhaustion and stroke. Park Rangers at J. Strom Thurmond Lake want to encourage you to stay aware.

“We’ll always encourage them to find a spot in the shade, drink some liquids, do all that stuff. We want to prevent it before it gets to heat exhaustion or heat stroke,” said Hannah Sue Hulpke, J. Strom Thurmond Park Ranger.

They also want to remind you that just because you are in the water does not mean heat exhaustion or stroke cannot happen to you. So, to pay attention to others not just for drowning but for possible heat-related illness.

“Bring hydration, bring sports drinks, whatever you can do. Just a lot of people think they can get into the water, and they can cool off. Remember that water is not that cool. The water is dangerous in and of itself. You get heat exhaustion like today; it’s going to make things even worse,” said Kevin Madsen, J. Strom Thurmond Park Ranger.

If you plan to be in the sun, stay hydrated and cool for the rest of your holiday weekend and stay alert for any heat-related issues.

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