The city of Cincinnati has issued a heat alert.
The heat alert begins Wednesday and goes through 11:59 p.m. Friday.
A heat alert is declared when temperatures and the heat index are high enough that they could cause health problems.
The city has said local predictions from the National Weather Service are not yet available, and that the alert could be extended or increased to a heat emergency.
A heat emergency is declared when there are four straight days of 95 degrees plus temperatures and heat index.
“Under these conditions it is important that residents be aware and responsive to risks due to prolonged exposure to heat and to undue physical exertion,” Dr. Maseru, the Health Commissioner of Cincinnati explained.
When a heat alert is declared, a heat alert communication system is activated. By doing so, the Cincinnati Fire Division Emergency Medical Services and Rescue Units are now prepared to treat heat-related illnesses.
The Cincinnati Recreation Centers will be opened as "cool centers" during their regular hours.
Dr. Maseru has recommended the following precautions for people in Cincinnati to take into consideration:
- Decrease physical activity. This is particularly advisable for joggers and school athletic teams. Exercise activities should occur early in the morning or in the early evening. Stay in shade as much as possible.
- Wear loose lightweight and light colored cotton clothing.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Eat light meals.
- Put the alcohol beverages away until cooler weather. Alcoholic drinks can increase a person’s risk to heat-related illnesses.
- Cool down with showers, baths, recreational swimming.
- Adjust blinds, shades awnings to keep out the sun.
- Use the basement during the hottest hours.
- Use a circulating fan to lower temperatures in living spaces when possible, such as bringing cooler air into living areas in the evening or exhausting hotter air when possible. However, using a fan close to and blowing directly onto the body is not protective against heat related illness at temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Be a good neighbor and check on those who may need assistance. Individuals with chronic health problems, such as heart disease or lung problems, should minimize activities because the heat will put additional stresses on those systems. Certain medications can increase the risk of heat related illness.
- Extra caution should be taken for the elderly, young infants and children to assure they are protected from the heat and are exercising these helpful hints.
- Children and pets should not be left unattended in closed vehicles. Temperatures can reach dangerous levels rapidly.
- Be kind to your pets. Provide pets with shade and plenty of cool water.
