Extreme heat: Take precautions to stay safe during dangerously high temperatures

NATCHEZ—Meteorologists at the National Weather Service in Jackson warn that Sunday’s high temperature could reach 100 degrees and, with heat indexes, feel as hot as 115 degrees.

Natchez and Adams County are under an extreme heat warning until Sunday at 8 p.m. CDT.

Southwest Mississippi has experienced multiple days of heat indices between 110 and 115 degrees. Forecasters advise residents to stay cool, stay hydrated, and make sure family and neighbors have a cool place to stay.

Experts say the temperatures could be life-threatening to individuals who are out in the heat and don’t properly prepare for it. The best advice is to avoid the outdoors on Sunday if at all possible.

Other preparedness actions include:

• Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room. Stay out of the sun, and check on relatives and neighbors.

• Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors can reach lethal temperatures in minutes.

• Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning and evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

• To reduce the risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.

Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency. Call 911.

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