OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — The Douglas County Health Department issues a warning as the heat index is expected to push past 100 degrees.
The DCHD's release:
Air conditioning will be your friend for the next several days, but for some people in our community without that convenience, the summer heat and humidity can have deadly consequences.
According to a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study, heat is the nation’s biggest weather killer and on average is responsible for more than 650 deaths per year in the United States.
With high temperatures forecast to reach into the 90s and above in the coming days coupled with high humidity expected to push the heat index to above 100 degrees, the Douglas County Health Department (DCHD) hopes you will take some simple steps to prevent heat-related illness.
“Nebraskans love to spend time outdoors,” Health Director Dr. Adi Pour said. “But if you don’t prepare for heat like we are expecting it can be dangerous.”
DCHD has some basic suggestions to help avoid heat-related problems:
· NEVER leave a person or an animal in a closed, parked vehicle.
· Drink plenty of fluids before you get thirsty and avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine.
· Water is the best drink.
· Take advantage of air conditioning as much as you can.
· Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
· Outdoor activities should be limited to the cooler morning and evening hours.
· Athletes participating in outdoor activities need special attention and lots of fluids.
· People 65 years of age or older are more at risk as are children. Please check on them.
· A sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher should be used when outside.
· Consult your preferred news outlet for heat advisory updates, especially between noon and 6 p.m.
“Heat-related injuries can be prevented,” Dr. Pour said. “Stay cool, stay hydrated and be aware of your environment.”
