Keeping Cool Safely

Keeping Cool Safely During an Extreme Heat Warning

Clinton County is under an Extreme Heat Warning, with dangerous heat and humidity expected this week. Heat index values near 105°F are possible, and very warm overnight temperatures will provide little relief. Heat impacts can build over several days, so now is the time to take the heat seriously.

The best way to stay safe is to spend time in air conditioning. If your home does not have reliable cooling, consider going to a cooler location such as a cooling center, library, store, public building, family member’s home, or another safe indoor location. Even a few hours in air conditioning can help reduce the risk of heat illness.

Drink water regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid overdoing it outside, especially during the hottest part of the day. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning. Use sunscreen if you are outside, and avoid long periods in direct sun.

Cool showers or baths can help lower body temperature. You can also use cool damp cloths on the neck, wrists, or face. Keep blinds, curtains, or shades closed during the hottest part of the day, and avoid using ovens or other appliances that add heat inside the home.

Fans can help move air, but they are not a substitute for air conditioning. As a general safety rule, use fans only when indoor temperatures are below 90°F. If your home is 90°F or hotter, a fan blowing directly on you may make your body hotter instead of cooler. At that point, use air conditioning or go to a cooler location.

Check on older adults, young children, neighbors, people with medical needs, outdoor workers, responders, and anyone without reliable cooling. Never leave children, vulnerable adults, or pets in parked vehicles, even for a short time.

Watch for signs of heat illness. Heat exhaustion may include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, or muscle cramps. Move the person to a cooler place, loosen clothing, and use cool cloths or sips of water if they are awake and alert. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 if someone becomes confused, faints, has a very high body temperature, has hot dry skin, or cannot stay awake.

Cooling center information is available at https://www.cc-ema.org/cooling. Heat-related updates are available on the Emergency Notice Page at https://www.cc-ema.org/notice.

Stay cool, check on others, and take action before heat illness starts.

Plan. Prepare. Protect.