City of Indianapolis provides tips to help residents stay safe as weather heats up

INDIANAPOLIS — High temperatures will soar into the 90s this week in central Indiana.

As the weather begins to warm up, the City of Indianapolis has released safety tips to help its residents beat the heat:

1. Stay hydrated

When the heat ratchets up, drink plenty of water.

According to the American Heart Association , water is the best drink to consume to stay hydrated. Some fruits, vegetables and sports drink may also provide hydration when consumed.

The AHA also encourages people to think about how hydrated they are, even if they are just sitting in the sun and not exercising. Hydration is also pivotal for people who are over 50, overweight or traveling.

2. Check on neighbors and relatives

The City of Indianapolis encourages its residents to check on their friends, neighbors and family members when the weather is warm. The city urges residents to check in with those who do not have consistent or reliable access to air conditioning.

3. Avoid working outside

The city is asking those who are planning outdoor activities to try to schedule them during the evening hours to avoid the heat of the day. Outdoor chores should also be delayed to the evening hours, if possible.

4. Dress appropriately

If outdoor work is unavoidable during the heat of the day, dress appropriately. The city indicated that light, loose-fitting clothing is best to wear outside when it’s hot out.

Those working outside are also encouraged to take frequent breaks in the shade or air-conditioned buildings.

5. Know the signs of heat exhaustion

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are two different things, according to the National Weather Service. Common signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, dizziness, thirst, heavy sweating, nausea and weakness.

To treat heat exhaustion, move to a cooler area, loosen clothing, apply cool or wet cloths, sit in a cold bath and drink water. If somebody vomits for more than an hour while experiencing heat exhaustion, seek medical attention.

Heat stroke symptoms are similar to those associated with heat exhaustion. According to the NWS, heat stroke symptoms include throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, body temperatures of about 103 degrees, hot, red, dry or damp skin and a rapid, strong pulse.

If somebody is experiencing a heat stroke, they should be moved to a colder area, cooled down with water or ice and have clothing loosened or removed. A heat stroke warrants a 911 call, per the NWS.

Cramps may also be a symptom of heat-related illness. Per the the NWS, heat cramps are painful muscle cramps or spasms that usually effect the legs and abdomen.

To treat heat cramps, the NWS recommends applying pressure on cramping muscles. A gentle massage may also help relieve cramped muscles. Water can also help alleviate heat cramps, so long as the person cramping isn’t nauseous.

6. Look before locking

Cars can get very warm when they are parked during the summer. The City of Indianapolis is urging it’s residents to double check their cars before locking them to ensure no pets or children are left unattended in vehicles that are not running.

7. Keep pets indoors

Bringing pets inside and ensuring they drink plenty of water is important when it’s hot outside, per the city. Officials are reminding homeowners and renters alike that city ordinances mandate pets be accompanied by a person when they are outside in temperatures exceeding 90 degrees or if a heat advisory is in effect.

Additional tips

• Consider carrying an umbrella to provide immediate shade while outside
• Contact non-emergency resources by dialing 211 or (866) 211-9966 when necessary
• Check out the National Weather Service’s website for additional heat safety tips

Additional information on Indy’s public cooling centers and pools are available via the links below:

https://parks.indy.gov/parks/
https://parks.indy.gov/programs-events/poolsandsplashpads/
https://www.indypl.org/locations

The City of Beech Grove has also established two cooling centers in time for the summer. Beech Grove’s cooling centers are located 602 Main St. (Beech Grove Senior Center) and 5245 Hornet Ave. (Hornet Park Community Center).

The Beech Grove Senior Center will serve as a cooling center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Hornet Park Community Center will be a cooling center from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

“When hot weather hits, it’s important our residents know they have a safe place to go and cool off, particularly during the hottest part of the day,” Beech Grove Mayor James Coffman said via press release. “It’s also a good time to check in on family, friends and neighbors, especially older adults. We are a community who looks out for each other, and I know our residents will do just that in the coming days and weeks.”

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