Summer swelter
By Steve Herring
Published in News on June 20, 2018 5:50 AM
Full Size
News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Lincoln Mills and Mikey Gonzalez, both 10 months of age, play around in the water spouts at the Seymour Johnson Air Force Base splash pad Tuesday as people around the area look for ways to keep cool in the high temperatures.
Full Size
News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Kids play on the splash pad at Seymour Johnson to cool down Tuesday as temperatures near triple digits this week.
Full Size
News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Layla Talavera, 2, runs from a water feature at the Seymour Johnson splash pad Tuesday as temperatures near triple digits this week.
For the second day in a row, Wayne County residents are being urged to exercise caution as high temperatures and humidity create conditions in which heat illnesses are possible.
Also for the second consecutive day, a heat advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today for counties east of U.S. 1.
Heat index values as high as 105 to 109 degrees are expected today because of temperatures in the mid to upper 90s, and dewpoints in the lower 70s.
It was 99 degrees by 3 p.m. Tuesday with a heat index of 106 degrees.
The high temperature today is expected to be near 95 degrees with a heat index value as high as 103 degrees.
There is a chance of showers and thunderstorms mainly after 2 p.m. today and a chance of showers and thunderstorms overnight and through Friday.
However, the highs are not expected to fall below 90 until Friday when it will be near 88.
Children, older individuals, outdoor workers and those with chronic health conditions are most vulnerable to the heat.
Also, don't forget outside pets.
A heat advisory means that a period of hot temperatures and high humidity is expected that will create conditions in which heat illnesses are possible.
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services officials are urging people to take steps to protect themselves from heat-related illnesses because of the sweltering heat expected to impact parts of the state this week.
"High temperatures, along with high humidity levels can be dangerous," said State Health Director and DHHS Chief Medical Officer Betsey Tilson. "People spending time outdoors for work or recreation should protect themselves from the sun and drink plenty of fluids to minimize risk of heat-related illness."
People also need to know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke that include muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, fainting, headaches, nausea and vomiting.
Heat-related illness is preventable with proper precautions, health officials said.
However, every summer there are about 3,000 heat-related illness emergency department visits.
To reduce risk of heat-related illness health officials recommend:
* Increase fluid intake.
* Take frequent breaks in cool or air-conditioned places if spending extended time outside.
* Reduce normal activity levels.
* Speak with your physician about how to stay safe if you take medicines that make you more vulnerable to heat, such as drugs for high blood pressure, migraines, allergies, muscle spasms, mental illness and tranquilizers.
* Check on neighbors, and if working outdoors, check on your co-workers.
* Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles, especially during warm or hot weather, as temperature levels inside a car can reach a lethal level in a matter of minutes.
* Wear light weight and loose-fitting clothing when possible.
For more information on how to prevent heat-related health issues and to learn about heat-related illness in North Carolina, visit: http://publichealth.nc.gov/chronicdiseaseandinjury/heat.htm.
Individuals and families are also encouraged to check with their county department of social services about the availability of and their eligibility for Crisis Intervention Program funds and free fans.