K8 News Extreme Heat Survival Guide
JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) - With temperatures expected to reach their highest levels so far this year, K8 News has compiled this guide to help you beat the heat and stay cool.
First Alert: Hot Conditions Ahead
K8 Meteorologist Micah Stevens said dangerously hot temperatures are expected through Thursday, July 24.
“These hot temperatures will be dangerous to people spending extended periods of time outside,” he said. “Heat index values are likely to be around 110 degrees.”
While it’s not record-breaking heat, Stevens warns it could cause heat-related issues.
As of Thursday, July 17, the National Weather Service has issued Heat Advisories for the following counties:
- Butler, Missouri
- Clay
- Cleburne
- Craighead
- Crittenden
- Dunklin, Missouri
- Greene
- Independence
- Jackson
- Lawrence
- Mississippi
- New Madrid, Missouri
- Pemiscot, Missouri
- Poinsett
- Randolph
- Sharp
- White
Cooling Centers
To help residents stay cool during this hot spell, several communities have announced they will open cooling centers:
Jonesboro
- Allen Park Community Center, 3609 Race St., open Monday-Friday, 12-9 p.m. and Saturday 12-5 p.m.
- Earl Bell Community Center, 1212 S. Church St., open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday 12-5 p.m.
- Parker Park Community Center, 1506 N. Church St., open Monday-Friday 12-9 p.m. and Saturday 12-5 p.m.
- Jonesboro Youth Community Center, 1421 W. Nettleton Ave., open Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday 12-5 p.m.
JET will provide free rides to all local cooling stations. Just let your driver know.
Mississippi County
- Blytheville: Resilience Center, 2108 W. Rose, will be opened from 12-4 p.m. Thursday and Friday.
- Osceola: Main Street Building, 108 W. Hale, will be open from 12-4 p.m. Thursday and Friday.
If you know of a cooling center open in your area, send an email to news@kait8.com and we will add it to the list.
Keeping Cool
When the thermometer goes way up, Ready.gov suggests the following tips to keep cool and safe:
- Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day.
- If air conditioning is not available in your home, find a cooling option.
- 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.
Heat-Related Illnesses
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 9,235 people are hospitalized each year due to heat-related illnesses. More than 700 heat-related deaths are reported annually.
Ready.gov reports “extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards.
Those most at risk are older adults, children, and people with certain illnesses and chronic conditions.
To avoid a trip to the hospital, know the signs of heat-related illnesses and how to treat them:
Heat Stroke
Symptoms:
- Confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech
- Loss of consciousness (coma)
- Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
- Seizures
- Very high body temperature
- Fatal if treatment delayed
First Aid:
- Call 911 for emergency medical care.
- Stay with the person until emergency medical services arrive.
- Move the person to a shaded, cool area and remove outer clothing.
- Cool the person quickly, using the following methods:
- With a cold water or ice bath, if possible
- Wet the skin
- Place cold, wet cloths on the skin
- Soak clothing with cool water
- Circulate the air around the person to speed cooling.
- Place cold wet cloths or ice on the head, neck, armpits, and groin; or soak the clothing with cool water.
Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Irritability
- Thirst
- Heavy sweating
- Elevated body temperature
- Decreased urine output
First Aid:
- Take person to a clinic or emergency room for medical evaluation and treatment.
- Call 911 if medical care is unavailable.
- Have someone stay with the person until help arrives.
- Remove the person from the hot area and give liquids to drink.
- Remove unnecessary clothing, including shoes and socks.
- Cool the person with cold compresses or have the worker wash their head, face, and neck with cold water.
- Encourage frequent sips of cool water.
Stay Weather Aware
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