Tip Jar: Staying cool in the scorching summer heat
As the summer continues to heat up, blazing temperatures reek havoc on citizens as they are left to deal with the uncontrollable heat, but these cool tips should help out.
By News Channel NebraskaNORFOLK, Neb. -- The entire planet has been breaking scorching heat records this summer, leaving civilians to suffer through the high temperatures.
Norfolk has been experiencing elevated levels of heat this week reaching above 90 degrees Fahrenheit even heading into the weekend.
These temperatures can turn sunny, summer days into a health risk as 343 health-related illnesses have been reported between Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa, and Missouri on Tuesday alone, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Region 11 Emergency Manager Bobbi Risor said if the heat begins to be too much, always take a break.
"If you're feeling hot and tired, and you feel like you need a break, take a break. Don't try to push through it; frequent breaks and frequent hydration is definitely necessary during this,” Risor said. “If you get to the point where you stop sweating, that's when you really need to seek medical attention."
Risor advises taking cool baths, finding shade, staying hydrated, and exercising at the safest times during the day, just like the city's firefighters.
"We all drink a lot of water here and stay in the air conditioning, stay cool,” said Risor. “Exercising indoors versus if you're going to exercise go outside and do it, but do it early in the morning, just during the cooler temperatures. It's the best time."
To stay prepared, keep an eye out for signs of heat exhaustion which include dizziness, fatigue, vomiting, etc., or heat stroke which can include high body temperature, dry skin, etc.
Risor said the Norfolk Fire Division receives lots of 911 calls related to heat emergencies during peak temperature times, and what age groups are more susceptible to the heat.
"I think you should pay more attention to the elderly and the youth,” said Risor. “Both of them can get dehydrated quicker and easier, and not realize it, and then you could have worsening symptoms and worsening situations, when you don't even realize there even was one."
When taking safety precautions, make sure to consider your pets and animals as Risor said they require the same protection from the heat.
"Just kind of think of your pets and the animals outside, make sure that their water bowls are full, they have access to clean and lots of water,” said Risor. “And hopefully, they can have some shade or that kind of thing because they need rest and shade as well."
Real feel temperatures will be in the triple digits until the weekend, with expectations to simmer down into the next week.