High Temperatures & Humidity Mean
Extreme Heat This Week
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[August 21, 2023]
Dangerous
heat and high humidity are in the forecast throughout the region
this week. The FEMA Region 5 office in Chicago is encouraging
residents to avoid the dangers of extreme heat by taking some simple
steps to stay safe.
“Nearly our entire region will experience at or near historic high
temperatures this week, but high heat index values will make for an
extremely dangerous situation for many residents,” said Tom Sivak,
FEMA Region 5 regional administrator. “We all need to take
precautions. Regularly check yourself and those you care
about—especially children, older adults and pets—for the signs and
symptoms of heat-related illnesses and be ready to respond to them.”
After weeks of comfortable temperatures, don’t be caught unaware as
highs spike this week.
Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. The
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides a list of
warning signs and symptoms of heat illness and recommended first aid
steps.
Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
If you don’t have access to air conditioning at home, find
places in your community with AC, such as a local cooling center.
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Keep your home as cool as possible. For example, roughly
40% of unwanted heat buildup in our homes is through windows.
Use awnings or curtains to keep the heat out, and check the
weather stripping on doors and windows to keep the cool air in.
If you must be outside, find shade. Avoid strenuous
activity, cover your head with a hat wide enough to protect your
face and wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty.
NEVER leave people or pets in a parked car.
Finally, follow the direction of local and state officials for
locations of cooling centers and other resources when available
during the high heat.
For more information and tips on being ready for extreme heat,
visit www.ready.gov/heat.
[FEMA Region 5 News Desk]
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