As students are getting out of school for summer and temperatures have been steadily creeping upwards recently, the National Weather Service in Paducah is putting out some safety tips for Heat Safety Week.
Before our rain moved in this week, western Kentucky was already touching 90 degree days in the middle of May, showing a trend that will likely continue and only get hotter as we head towards the hot summer months. Warning Coordination Meteorologist Christine Wielgos says heat plus high humidity can make for some miserable conditions outside, and they make it harder for your body to regulate heat and cool itself off.
She says to avoid any heat related illness, dress for the weather with light-colored, loose fitting clothing and make sure you’re staying hydrated.
It’s okay to get a little hot—what’s not okay is when that heat starts becoming dangerous, such as developing into heat exhaustion or the potentially deadly heat stroke. Wielgos says heat exhaustion presents itself as dizziness, profuse sweating, increased heart beat or a headache, and it can be brought under control by retreating to a cool space and resting out of the heat.
A heat stroke requires immediate medical attention by a healthcare professional, as it can quickly become deadly if not treated. Symptoms of heat stroke include unconsciousness, vomiting and confusion.
We’re not the only ones who can experience heat related illness, as our furry friends can as well. Be sure outdoor pets have shelter from the sun and a constant supply of water. An enclosed dog house should not be their only source of shade, as temperatures inside of the dog house can get dangerously hot.
Never leave a pet or a child alone in a vehicle, as temperatures inside of a vehicle can become fatal fast.
The National Weather Service will be putting out informational posts about Heat Safety Week all week on their Facebook page.