SPRINGFIELD- The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IMEA) and local emergency management agencies are raising awareness for heat safety through the month of July.
IMEA’s spokeswoman Patti Thompson said that when heat strikes it takes the toughest toll on small children, older adults and people with disabilities.
“The medical community tells us that the heat can be harder on small children, older adults and people with disabilities” added Thompson. “Also, don’t forget your pets, because pets can really suffer from the heat also.”
Thompson said that when hot weather approaches to stay hydrated by drinking at least one and a half to two quarts of fluids daily, and to avoid alcoholic beverages and drinks containing caffeine.
“If your already feeling thirsty, your already becoming dehydrated” added spokeswoman Thompson. “You just want to intake plenty of nonalcoholic and noncarbonated fluids.”
IMEA’s spokeswoman Patti Thompson also explained that another heat-related fatalities are from leaving small children and pets in cars. When small children and pets are locked in the car in extreme heat the inside temperature of the car can skyrocket.
“It can rise thirty to forty degrees in thirty minutes” added Thompson. “That can be extremely dangerous.”
According to the National Weather Service, heat accounted for an average of 113 fatalities each year from 2006-2015.
IEMA’s Director James K. Joseph is providing awareness by giving safety tips to fight the everlasting heat.
“People often don’t realize how dangerous hot weather can be” added Director Joseph. “We want everyone to be aware of the dangers of extreme heat and what they can do to stay safe and healthy.”
Blake Haas can be reached at Blake.Haas@cumulus.com
