Temps on the rise

The temps have almost reached the triple digits; on Sunday, the temperature outside was 99 degrees, and that scorcher of a day. Taking safety precautions when working or playing out in the heat is very important with temperatures rising.

I grew up in the 60’s and early 70’s. We didn’t have central heat and air in our home like most home today. We had an AC window unit that worked hard all summer to keep the house cool on those hot summer days.

I remember my mom and dad telling us to stay in the house or outside because running in and out caused the house to heat up by opening and closing the door. My sister and I would play outside until we couldn’t stand the heat. The first one in the house would run in front of the AC to cool off. It was the quickest way to cool off.

But there is hot, and then there is extreme heat and humidity above 90 degrees. In extreme heat, our bodies work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. For some, the extreme heat can be brutal on our bodies and even lead to death.

According to Ready.gov, extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards. Older adults, children, and sick or overweight individuals are at greater risk from extreme heat.

My youngest brother, Bobby, was at summer camp football practice and had a heat stroke. It was a hot, hot August day. He got very sick, and he had to go to the emergency room. It scared my parents. No one in our family had ever experienced a heat stroke, but we learned that year that it can happen to anyone in hot temps.

Here are some tips to be safe during the heat:

• Learn to recognize the signs of heat illness.

• Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort but do not reduce body temperature or prevent heat-related illnesses.

• Identify places in your community where you can go to get cool, such as libraries and shopping malls, or contact your local health department to find a cooling center in your area.

• Cover windows with drapes or shades.

• Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day.

• Take cool showers or baths.

• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

• Use your oven less to help reduce the temperature in your home.

• If you’re outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.

• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

• Avoid high-energy activities or work outdoors during midday heat, if possible.

• Check on family members, older adults and neighbors.

• Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

• Consider pet safety. If they are outside, make sure they have plenty of cool water and access to comfortable shade. Asphalt and dark pavement can be very hot to your pet’s feet.