An excessive heat warning was announced on August 20,2021 by local newscasters including: Fox 8, WDSU and WWL. According to Fox 8, this increasing heat wave will diminish bySeptember 1st. How can we take precautions to protect ourselves from this massive heat wave?

According to Weatherunderground.com (with the help of The Red Cross), this is how to prepare and stay safe during this next week.

• Drink plenty of water, even though you may not feel thirsty, avoid drinks with caffeine.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing, lightweight, and light-colored clothing.
• Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.

The website continues to provide information on Heat Related Inquiries and the steps to care for them.

• Heat Cramps: Painful spasms, usually in leg and abdominal muscles; heavysweating
  • Get the person to a cooler location.
  • Lightly apply pressure and massage the area of the cramp.
  • Give sips of around a half glass of water every 15 minutes.
  • If the person is nauseated, discontinue liquids.

• Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating but skin may be cool, pale, or flushed. Weak pulse. Normal body temperature is possible, but temperature will likely rise. Fainting or dizziness, nausea, vomiting, exhaustion, and headaches are possible.
  • Get the person to lie in a shaded area.
  • Loosen the person’s clothing.
  • Apply a wet towel to the forehead to help with circulation.
  • Fan or move the person to a cooled area.
  • Seek medical attention if the person is vomiting.

• Heat Stroke: High body temperature (105+); hot, red, dry skin; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid shallow breathing. Victim will probably not sweat unless the person was sweating from recent strenuous activity. Possible unconsciousness.
  • Call 9-1-1 or emergency medical services, or get the person to a hospital immediately. 
  • Move person to a cooler environment
  • Watch for breathing problems
  • Use extreme caution as well as fans and air conditioners.

Here is the link for Weather Underground to have for important information on preparing for this heat wave:

https://www.wunderground.com/prepare/extreme-heat