The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning for the entire listening area. Dangerously hot and humid conditions with multiple days of heat index values of 100 to 110 expected, along with nighttime lows not falling below the mid 70s.
Many communities have activated cooling centers. See our complete list here.
Citizens are advised to take precautionary measures to prevent heat-related illness. Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, the people at greatest risk include:
- People age 65 or older
- Infants and young children
- Overweight individuals
- People who are performing manual labor or exercising outdoors
- People who have chronic health conditions, especially heart disease or high blood pressure, or those who take certain medications, such as those for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation
To protect your health when temperatures and humidity are high, remember to keep cool and use common sense. The following tips are important:
- Use a buddy system: Check on your neighbors, friends, and relatives. Watch others for heat-induced illness as some people may not realize they are suffering heat-related illnesses and can become confused or lose consciousness.
- NEVER leave people or pets alone in a closed car/automobile.
- Increase fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. The best way to tell you are well hydrated is if your urine is light yellow. If it gets dark, rehydrate by drinking water immediately.
- If experiencing excessive sweating, especially over several hours, replace salt and minerals by eating foods like bananas and salty crackers, or drink rehydrating beverages that contain salts, such as sports drinks and special rehydration fluids.
- Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and wear sunscreen.
- Wear hats that shade your face, such as sun hats, visors, etc.
- Keep in the shade or air-conditioned areas as much as possible.
- Work slowly if you are not used to working or exercising in heat and humidity. Stop immediately if you get dizzy, nauseated, or feel weak. Go into an air-conditioned space and drink cool liquids.
- Check on outdoor pets to make sure they have plenty of water and do not leave unattended pets in vehicles.
For further excessive heat information and resources, phone 211 for the most current information or visit www.cityofdubuque.org/health or https://www.heat.gov/
