Franklin County Officials Urge Preparedness for Extreme Heat

Press Release from Ryan Buckingham, Director of Franklin County Emergency Management Agency

County officials also want to stress the importance of checking on your neighbors and other citizens that may have functional or special needs. “We are well known in Southern Illinois for taking care of our own, friend to friend, neighbor to neighbor. If you know of someone that may be venerable to extreme temperatures, take moment to check on them from time to time” added Director of Emergency Management Ryan M. Buckingham.

Officials want to remind you of the following tips for avoiding injury and death with extreme heat:\

• Stay out of the sun. If you must be in the sun, wear sunscreen (at least SPF 15) and a wide-brimmed hat. 
• Stay in the shade or under awnings as much as possible. 
• Avoid overexertion and strenuous outdoor activities. 
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes that cover as much skin as possible to prevent sunburn. 
• Consume plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Water, diluted juices, and electrolyte solutions are best. Stay away from carbonated drinks. Avoid alcohol. 
• If you are on a fluid-restricted diet or taking diuretics, consult your doctor before exposing yourself to heat. 
• Keep lights in your home low or off, keep shades drawn, and avoid using the oven.
• Keep rooms well ventilated with air conditioners and fans. Keep your windows open if you don’t have air conditioning or a fan. 
• Cool down with cool, wet towels and periodic cool baths or showers. 
• Take advantage of cooling centers, public pools, and air-conditioned stores and malls during periods of extreme heat.
• Exposure to air conditioning for even a few hours a day will reduce the risk for heat-related illness. 
• Closely monitor children, the elderly, or those who require special care during periods of intense summer heat. 
• Do not leave children or pets in a closed vehicle, even for a few minutes. On a hot day, temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach 140ºF-190ºF within 30 minutes.
• Make a special effort to check on your neighbors during a heat wave, especially if they are seniors, families with young children, people with special needs, or living alone.
• Seniors and others who may be sensitive to extreme heat should contact friends, neighbors, or relatives periodically throughout the day.
• Seek help if you feel symptoms of heat-related illnesses. 

Pets are another major concern when temperatures rise. Franklin County Animal Control Supervisor Thad Snell reminds residents that animals can just as at risk to extreme temperatures as humans. “Never leave your pet in your vehicle. Keep your pet indoors and put out plenty of water for them to stay hydrated during hot summer days. If your pet must stay outdoors, provide ventilated shelter, baby pools filled with water, and sunscreen on pets with short hair” added Snell.  

For more information on emergency preparedness and extreme heat visit Franklin County Government online at www.franklincountyil.gov/preparedness.