The Heat is on in Alabama

By Holly Ames

M30o93H7pQ09L8X1t49cHY01Z5j4TT91fGfr The Heat is on in Alabama

Published: Mon, August 06, 2007 - 3:10 pm
Last Updated: Mon, August 06, 2007 - 4:42 pm

It’s getting hot in Alabama. The National Weather Service is warning the public that the heat index could climb as high as 105 degree across much of the state this week. That means outdoor activity could be risky if you’re not careful. You’ve probably heard all about the heat warnings before, but now is the time for a review as a heat wave rolls through the state.

When you work outside in the summer, heat should always be a concern. When the Weather Service sends out a warning about dangerous heat, we should all pay attention. From broadcast to web cast, News Five Meteorologist John Nodar spent the first half of the day trying to help get the message out.

The news means business could be picking up pretty soon for Springhill Medical Center’s Emergency Room. Dr. John McMahon says heat stroke is definitely a life-threatening concern and everyone needs to be extra careful.

John McMahon says, “When the heat index is in excess of 95 and it’s easily going to be doing that this week, you need to stay well hydrated and take all of the precautions of staying out of the sun and in cool areas when you can. He says the heat warning is especially important for visitors who may not know how dangerous the coast’s mixture of heat and humidity can be.

Dr. McMahon explains, “The sweat allows you to cool. With the higher humidity and the heat, when the heat index gets above body temperature, you don’t have the same evaporative loss and you simply continue to lose sweat, but you don’t have cooling because the temperature is too high.”

It’s the kind of heat you can see rising for the roadways, but if you’re not careful, you may not see if sneak up on you.

Heat stroke is the most serious heat related illness. That’s when the body just can’t handle the heat. The body temperature rises, sweating stops and the body can’t cool down. If you see signs of heat stroke, there’s no time to waste. You may be dealing with a life threatening illness.

Emergency treatment would be for patients who lose consciousness, become lethargic and confused, who skin is hot to the touch. That would be classic signs of heat stroke.”

The very young and very old are especially at risk. Keep an eye on family and friends when the heat is on and remember that air conditioning and water are your best protection.

The Centers for Disease Control has lots of information on how to deal with the heat. Just go to www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat

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