How to stay safe as extreme heat is forecast to slam Kentucky

Kentuckians can expect high temperatures this week, with portions of the state predicted to reach 100-degree heat indexes from Tuesday to Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

High temperatures can be dangerous, particularly for children, people who are chronically ill or pregnant and older adults.

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It’s not safe to leave pets or children in cars, as they can quickly overheat and even die. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 29 children died from heatstroke inside vehicles last year.

During extreme heat:

• Drink plenty of water and non-alcoholic fluids.
• Stay out of the sun and in air conditioning when possible.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activities.
• Wear lightweight and loose clothes.
• Take rest breaks often.
• Check on loved ones and acquaintances.
• Don’t leave pets or children alone in cars.
• Call 911 if someone around you experiences heat stroke. Symptoms of heat stroke include headaches, confusion, nausea, dizziness and loss of consciousness, among others. Heat exhaustion symptoms include dizziness, weakness, heavy sweating and more. To combat symptoms, loosen clothing, sip water and move into a cooler area. If symptoms don’t improve, get medical help.

For information on cooling centers around Kentucky, call 211.

This article is republished under a Creative Commons license from Kentucky Lantern, which is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Kentucky Lantern maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jamie Lucke for questions: info@kentuckylantern.com. Follow Kentucky Lantern on Facebook and Twitter.