Catawba County News
Are You Ready To Handle The Heat?
Published: June 10, 2022
We are expecting temperatures in the mid-90s starting June 13th, 2022 with the heat index over 100 for several days. Are you ready to handle the heat?
Extreme heat is the most dangerous type of severe-weather event in the U.S., but we can take action to prepare our loved ones and the community for extreme heat events and related power outages.
- Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle.
- Slow down, and avoid strenuous activity.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect heat and sunlight and help maintain normal body temperature. Protect your face with a wide-brimmed hat.
- Drink plenty of water regularly and often, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Limit intake of alcoholic beverages. They dehydrate your body.
- Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals.
- Stay indoors as much as possible.
- If you do not have air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor, out of the sun. Electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help evaporate sweat, which cools your body.
- Go to a place where you can get relief from the heat, such as air conditioned schools, libraries, theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities during the warmest times of the day.
- Cover windows that get morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers. Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent
- Avoid too much sunshine. Sunburn slows the skin’s ability to cool itself. If you are outside, use sunscreen with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating.
- Do not leave pets outside for extended periods. Make sure pets have plenty of drinking water.
- Check on family, friends, and neighbors regularly.
More great tips are available at: