Excessive Heat Warning Issued in St. Louis Region

The National Weather Service in St. Louis has issued an Excessive Heat Warning, which is in effect until 7 p.m. CDT Tuesday, August 28.

Dangerous levels of heat and humidity are expected to continue during the afternoon hours each day of the warning resulting in heat index values peaking between 103 and 107 degrees each afternoon.   Most at risk for heat related illness are the very young, the elderly, those without air conditioning, and those participating in strenuous outdoor activities.

The City of St. Louis Department of Health is warning residents to take extra precautions if they will be working or spending time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to the early morning or evening.

The Department of Health is also encouraging residents to check on seniors, homebound, and neighbors.

Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.  Heat exhaustion is the most common heat-related illness · Heat exhaustion results in elevated body temperature and dehydration  · Symptoms include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness or fainting, headache, nausea or vomiting · If symptomatic, rest, loosen clothing, take a cool shower, drink cool water and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour

Heat stroke occurs when the body’s core temperature reaches 104°F · Heat stroke can be deadly · Symptoms include a high body temperature, red skin, hot or dry skin, rapid pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, unconsciousness

• If symptomatic, call 9-1-1 immediately, move to a cool, shady spot.  Cool your body rapidly with cool water and monitor your body temperature.  Avoid alcoholic drinks

The best protection against high heat is staying in an air-conditioned building · Thermostats should be set to no warmer than 78°F, particularly when children or elderly are in the building · Do not rely on fans as your primary cooling source At high temperatures air from fan actually increases the body’s heat stress by delivering heated air to the body faster than the body can get rid of the heat

Protect your children from heat-related illness and injury: · Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle · Reduce a child’s outdoor activity during hot, humid weather and the hottest part of the day · Give children plenty of cool water to drink

Cool Down St. Louis is helping area seniors and people with disabilities with their air-conditioning and utilities; and area low-income households may also apply for utility assistance only www.cooldownstlouis.org. Also cooling center sites are available there.

City of St. Louis Animal Care and Control, a division of the Department of Health, also wants residents to consider their pets during extreme heat. Pets should never be left unattended in vehicles, and should have access to fresh water and shade at all times.