After a cooler than normal spring, summer is hitting Chester County this weekend with a vengeance — high heat and humidity that could pose a safety risk for seniors, children and pets, officials warn.
Just as the Fourth of July holiday approaches and people head outdoors for summer fun, temperatures are forecast to soar. The National Weather Service expects a heat wave to build this weekend for Eastern Pennsylvania, and it is likely to last into next week. In the northern part of the nation, a heat wave is defined as three days in a row with high temperatures at or above 90 degrees.
“This puts many people at risk for heat exhaustion or heat stroke,” said Guy Triano, CEO for the American Red Cross Eastern Pennsylvania Region. “In recent years, excessive heat has caused more deaths than all other weather events, including floods.”
The Red Cross urges everyone to stay safe in the intense heat and humidity by following these top five safety tips:
- Hot cars can be deadly. Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees. Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
- If you do not have air conditioning, choose places you could go to for relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day (libraries, theaters, malls, etc.).
- Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
DOWNLOAD RED CROSS APPS The Red Cross Emergency App can help keep you and your loved ones safe by putting vital information in your hand for more than 35 different severe weather and emergency alerts. The Red Cross First Aid App puts instant access to information on handling the most common first aid emergencies, including heat stroke, at your fingertips. Download these apps by searching for ‘American Red Cross’ in your app store or at redcross.org/apps.
