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Trying to beat the heat
Aug 3, 2010
LAUREL — Several Jones County residents took the opportunity to cool down Saturday at cooling stations offered by the Pine Belt Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.
Bonita Flynn, a representative of the Laurel Salvation Army, said about seven people had stopped by their cooling station at 205 North 13th Avenue. In addition to getting a break from the heat, those at the Salvation Army received a lunch of hamburgers and hot dogs.
“I think it’s great,” said Mike Akins, one of those at the cooling station. “It doesn’t take that long for this heat to get you.”
Tom McGwire, who was joining Akins at the grill, said one of those taking shelter at the Salvation Army had walked all the way from Wal-Mart.
“His kidneys had nearly shut down,” McGwire said. “We’re just dealing with the heat the best we can.”
Lance Chancellor, Jones County Fire Council Public Information Officer, said the heat also took a toll on Glade volunteers responding to a turned over dump truck Saturday morning.
“It was about 101 degrees today with a heat index of 110 to 112,” Chancellor said. “It was just insanely hot.”
Flynn asked Jones County residents to check on their neighbors during this time, especially the elderly.
“We have an elderly lady who comes here during bad storms,” Flynn said. “Last summer, I went by and she had a small window unit air conditioner, but it wasn’t working. She had a new one in the box, but didn’t have anybody to install it. We did that for her.”
A heat advisory is in effect through this evening as temperatures will once again climb past 100 degrees in the Pine Belt area.
The Pine Belt Chapter of the American Red Cross will have its cooling station, located at 401 West Oak Street, open from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. The Salvation Army’s cooling station, located at 205 North 13th Avenue, will be open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. However, those who wish to stay overnight at the Salvation Army’s shelter can make those arrangements.
The Jones County Emergency Management Agency has offered the following tips on how to protect yourself during hot temperatures:
• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
• Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.
• Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls and other community facilities.
• Drink plenty of water. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney or liver disease, are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
• Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat and take frequent breaks.
Signs of heat exhaustion include:
• Heavy sweating but skin may be cool, pale or flushed
• Weak pulse
• Normal body temperature is possible, but temperature will likely rise
• Fainting or dizziness, nausea, vomiting, exhaustion and headaches are possible
Signs of heat stroke; call 911 if someone has these symptoms:
• High body temperature (105+)
• Hot, red, dry skin
• Rapid, weak pulse and rapid shallow breathing
• Victim will probably not sweat unless victim was sweating from recent strenuous activity
• Possible unconsciousness
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