[JULY 25, 2005] Logan County Emergency Management Agency
assistant director Terry Storer issued an alert to first responders
this morning. In it he said that the temperature at the Logan County
Airport had already reached 95 degrees with a heat index of 113
degrees at 10 a.m. this morning. "This is a dangerous situation," he
said.
Area residents are advised to avoid prolonged work in sunshine or in
poorly ventilated areas. Also, keep plenty of liquids on hand and
try to stay in an air-conditioned environment.
Children, the elderly and people with chronic ailments are
usually the first to suffer from the heat. Heat exhaustion, cramps
or, in extreme cases, heat stroke can result from prolonged exposure
to these conditions. Friends, relatives or neighbors should check on
people who may be at risk.
Four cooling centers have been established for Logan County
citizens in need of a cool refuge. Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital
is the primary site and is accepting walk-ins from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
There are three other centers available as support sites: the Logan
County Paramedic Association building, the Logan County Safety
Complex and Central Illinois Economic Development office.
Storer said that there were no requests for shelter this weekend.
He added that law enforcement did a great job of checking on
stranded motorists.
A cold front is expected to approach the area later in the day on
Tuesday, along with scattered thunderstorms. This is anticipated to
bring relief from the heat. Highs by Wednesday are expected to be
closer to seasonal normals in the mid-80s.
[National Weather Service; Logan County Emergency Management;
LDN]
