While checking Facebook today, I noticed a picture shared by a friend showing just how hot the weather is. I’ve posted the image below for those of you who may have not seen it or for those without social media access.
On a more serious note, we’re dealing with extremely hot temperatures. The only plus to this heat is it’s more of a dry heat lacking high moisture amounts to make the atmosphere more humid.
Regardless of which it’s still dangerously hot in the Tennessee Valley. Combine that with the drought conditions and we’ve got a form of severe weather that is often not taken as seriously as it should.
Below are basic safety tips for both children and adults.
Child Safety Tips (per the National Weather Service)
Make sure your child’s safety seat and safety belt buckles aren’t too hot before securing your child in a safety restraint system, especially when your car has been parked in the heat.
Never leave your child unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows down.
Teach children not to play in, on, or around cars.
Always lock car doors and trunks–even at home–and keep keys out of children’s reach.
Always make sure all children have left the car when you reach your destination. Don’t leave sleeping infants in the car ever!
Adult Heat Wave Safety Tips
Slow down. Reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day. Children, seniors and anyone with health problems should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
Dress for summer. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.
Put less fuel on your inner fires. Foods, like meat and other proteins that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss.
Drink plenty of water, non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney or liver disease, are on fluid restrictive diets or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a physician before increasing their consumption of fluids. Do not drink alcoholic beverages and limit caffeinated beverages.
During excessive heat periods, spend more time in air-conditioned places. Air conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, go to a library, store or other location with air conditioning for part of the day.
Don’t get too much sun. Sunburn reduces your body’s ability to dissipate heat.
Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician.
Almost the entire WAAY 31 viewing area will be under a Heat Advisory through the weekend. Enjoy summertime safely and with caution. Play it smart when outdoors and remember to check on the elderly.
Forecast models are leaning toward a cool down (the 90′s!) by next week with a remote for a chance for a scattered shower as well. In the meantime, follow the safety tips and stay by the a/c as much as possible!
