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Lexington Officials Take Heat Alert Up a Notch To Phase III

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UPDATE: 

With temperatures in the 90’s and the National Weather Service having issued an Extreme Heat Warning, Lexington Emergency Management has activated its Phase 3 Heat Alert.

 

The combination of heat and humidity will lead to an increased risk of heat-related stress and illness, especially with the very young and elderly. Everyone is advised to drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous activity during the middle of the day and check on elderly neighbors. 

The Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention has activated its Emergency Summer Weather Plan . The Hope Center HopeMobile will be covering these extended days and will be distributing water, sunscreen, and other supplies. The Hope Center HopeMobile can be contacted at 859-252-7881.

A Phase II heat alert means the following things will be activated around the city:

  • Lexington Parks and Recreation will offer half-price pool admission through Sunday, July 21.
  • Lextran will provide free rides to shelters and cooling centers through Sunday, July 21.
  • The Dunbar Community Center, 545 N. Upper Street, will open as a cooling center through Sunday, July 21. Exact hours will be posted.
  • The Lexington Senior Center, 195 Life Lane, will open as a cooling center on Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21. Exact hours of operation will be announced on Friday.

If you need help or have questions, dial 211 or text your zip code to 898211.
For a list of cooling centers and shelters, click here.

Health officials urge public to take steps to avoid injury, illness during extreme summertime heat:

Health officials with the Department for Public Health (DPH) urge the public to take steps to avoid injury and illness during periods of extreme summertime heat expected to move into the area over the weekend.
 
“During summer we often spend long periods of time outside. However, with warmer extreme temperatures comes the risk of overexertion, so we advise the public to take steps to keep cool and prevent harm,” said Jeff Howard, DPH commissioner. “Serious injury and even death – particularly for children and older adults exposed to extreme levels of heat – can occur.”

Here are some tips to avoid heat-related injury and illness:

• Drink plenty of fluids. Increase your normal fluid intake regardless of your activity level. You will need to drink more fluids than your thirst level indicates. This is especially true for people age 65 or older who often have a decreased ability to respond to external temperature changes. In addition, avoid drinking beverages containing alcohol, because they will actually cause you to lose more fluid.

• Wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen. Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. In the hot sun, wear a wide-brimmed hat that will provide shade and keep the head cool. Sunscreen should be SPF 15 or greater and should be applied 30 minutes before going out into the sun.

• Stay cool indoors. The most efficient way to beat the heat is to stay in an air-conditioned area. If you do not have an air conditioner, consider visiting a mall or public library.

• Schedule outdoor activities carefully. If you must be out in the heat, try to plan your activities so that you are outdoors either before noon or in the evening. Rest periodically so your body’s thermostat has a chance to recover.

• Do not keep children or pets in cars. Temperatures inside a car without open windows can reach over 150 degrees quickly, resulting in heatstroke and death.

• Use a buddy system. When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your co-workers and have someone do the same for you. Heat-induced illness can cause a person to become confused or lose consciousness.

• Check on your neighbors and monitor those at high risk. Those at greatest risk of heat-related illness include:

– Infants and children up to 4 years of age
– People 65 years of age or older
– People who are overweight
– People who overexert during work or exercise
– People who are ill or on certain medications for blood pressure or diuretics.

Signs and symptoms of heat-related illness include:

• Dehydration – Dehydration is caused by excessive loss of water and salts from the body. Severe dehydration can become life-threatening if not treated.

• Heat Cramps – Heat cramps are painful, involuntary muscle spasms often occurring in your calves, abdomen and back. Rest for several hours and drink clear juice or an electrolyte-containing drink.

• Heat Exhaustion – Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses too much water and salt from sweating during hot temperatures. Older adults, people who work outside and those with high blood pressure are most at risk for heat exhaustion. Continued exposure may lead to heatstroke, which is life-threatening.

• Heatstroke – Heatstroke is caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures or by performing physical activity in hot weather. Sweating has usually stopped and your body temperature becomes too high. Heatstroke is a life-threatening condition and you should call 911 and seek immediate medical attention for this illness.

For more information on preventing heat-related illness visit the website.