The excessive heat predicted for our area Thursday and Friday will come with heat indexes over 100 degrees when combined with the humidity and dew point. The Plainfield Fire Protection District reminds everyone that this type of weather increases the chances for heat related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Anyone outside should limit strenuous activities, stay hydrated and out of the sun as much as possible. If your home does not have air conditioning consider going to a shopping mall, library or other facility with air conditioning so you can cool down. Please check on your neighbors, friends and family to ensure they are doing ok, especially if they do not have air conditioning. Make sure pets outside have shade and water.
Never leave children or pets inside a vehicle for any reason. The inside of a parked vehicle gets too hot to support life on a typical summer day let alone in extreme heat. To prevent the tragedy of a child dying in a hot car remember the sayings “beat the heat, check the backseat” and “look before you lock” to remind you to make sure your child is not still inside the car. Keep parked cars locked so children do not climb inside an unlocked car where they can be overcome by the heat. Keep your car keys out of the reach of children. Remember anytime a child is missing; first check the swimming pool then the car, including the trunk. Anytime you see a child or pet in an unattended vehicle call 9-1-1.
Heat exhaustion symptoms include feeling faint or dizzy with excessive sweating, cool, pale, clammy skin, nausea or vomiting, a rapid, weak pulse and muscle cramps. Treat heat exhaustion immediately to prevent heat stroke. Treatment for heat exhaustion includes getting inside an air conditioned area, drinking water and taking a cool shower or using cold compresses to cool down. Heat stroke is a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 anytime heat stroke is suspected. Symptoms of heat stroke include a throbbing headache, no sweating, and a body temperature above 103 degrees with red, hot, dry skin, nausea or vomiting with a rapid, strong pulse. Patients with heat stroke may lose consciousness. Call 9-1-1 for anyone with heat stroke and immediately try to cool the person while waiting for help to arrive. For more heat related health and safety information please visit www.nws.noaa.gov/os/heat, www.plainfieldfpd.com or call us at 815-436-5335 ext. 7314.