The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory from noon today until 8 p.m. Temperatures will exceed 90 degrees. That heat, combined with extremely humid air, will push the heat index, or what the temperature “feels like," past 105 degrees, the City’s threshold for opening its cooling center.
rWater will be provided at Truxtun Park (273 Hilltop Lane), but those visiting the cooling center will not have access to recreation activities. For more information, call the City’s Office of Emergency Management at 410-216-9167.
rThe Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities, in cooperation with the City’s Department of Transportation, will provide transportation to and from the Pip Moyer Rec Center for any County or City resident, of any age or ability, until 4:30 p.m. today. Individuals who need transportation should contact the County’s Aging Department at 410-222-4826.
rIn addition, the Mayor advises residents to check on family members and neighbors who live without air conditioning. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), elderly people (65 years and older), infants and children and people with chronic medical conditions are more prone to heat stress.
rSymptoms of heat-related illness:
-Heat cramps are muscle contractions that are connected to heat and dehydration. Heat exhaustion is also a result of excessive heat and dehydration. The signs of heat exhaustion are paleness, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, fainting and increased temperature.
r-Heatstroke is the most severe form of heat illness. These people have warm, flushed skin and do not sweat. This is considered a critical medical emergency. These patients must have their temperature reduced quickly and taken directly to the hospital.
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The CDC offers guidance on extreme heat:
-Air conditioning is a protective factor against heat-related illness.
-During conditions of extreme heat, spend time in locations with air-conditioning such as shopping malls, public libraries or public health-sponsored heat-relief shelters in your area.
-Get informed. Listen to local news and weather channels or contact your local public health department during extreme heat conditions for health and safety updates.
-Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages and increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level.
-During hot weather you will need to increase your fluid intake,regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink.
-During heavy exercise in a hot environment, drink two to fournglasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour.
Please also be advised:
r -If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot.)
-Don't drink liquids that contain alcohol, or large amounts of sugar. These actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
-Replace salt and minerals: Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body. These are necessary for your body and must be replaced. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, non-alcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. However, if you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage or taking salt tablets.
Comments or replies can be sent to mhra.president@gmail.com
rTo learn more about the Murray Hill Residents Association, visit http://murrayhill.annapolis.com/
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