Heat wave expected across the region

With National Weather Service forecasts showing temperatures of higher than 90 degrees, starting Sunday and lasting through the end of the week, we need to take steps to be safe in the extreme heat.

The Pike County Emergency Management has announced on Monday, June 17 there will be a cooling center that will be open from 12 noon until 9 p.m. for anyone who needs relief from the heat. The cooling center will be in the Pike Outreach building located at 306 Bridge Street in Waverly.

The American Red Cross recommends these helpful tips to stay safe:

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before you feel thirsty, especially if you’re outdoors or exercising. Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol, or sugar.Stay cool: Stay indoors in an air-conditioned space as much as possible.

If you must be outside, you can try these tips:

Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothingUse a fan, spray bottle, damp cloth, or ice towel to cool down your bodyTake cool showers or immerse your feet in water above your anklesSlow down: Postpone or limit outdoor activities, especially during the hottest part of the dayTake breaks: If you’re working outdoors, take frequent breaks and use a buddy systemCheck on others: Check on family, friends, and neighbors who don’t have air conditioningProvide care for animals: Make sure animals have access to fresh water and shade, and check on them frequently.

Heat related illnesses such as can be a serious conditions and should be treated promptly

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

Sweating: Heavy sweating

Temperature: Elevated body temperature or mild fever (100–102°F)

Cramping: Muscle cramps in the arms, legs, or stomach

Other symptoms: Headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, thirst, rapid pulse, fast breathing, fainting, vomiting, and decreased urine output

If you experience heat exhaustion, you can try these general care tips:

Loosen or remove clothingApply cool, wet cloths to your skin or spray with cool waterFan yourselfIf you’re responsive and can swallow, sip a cool fluid that contains electrolytes and carbohydrates, like a sports drink, coconut water, or milkYou should seek immediate medical help if you experience vomiting, symptoms that last longer than an hour or get worse, or confusion.

Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency that occurs when the body can’t regulate its temperature. Symptoms include:

Mental status changes: Confusion, delirium, combativeness, seizures, loss of consciousness, slurred speech, or altered mental status

Skin changes: Hot, red, dry, damp, flushed, or very pale skin, or profuse sweating

Other symptoms: Throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, extremely thirsty, dry or swollen tongue, rapid and strong pulse, fainting, low or high blood pressure, lung crackles, or fast breathing.

If someone is experiencing heat stroke, you should call 911 for emergency medical care and move them to a cool, shaded area while waiting for help. You should also remove any outer clothing. Delaying treatment can be fatal.