The City of St. Louis Urges Heat Safety During Extreme Temperatures This Week

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the City of St. Louis from noon to 10:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 9. Abnormally high humidity is causing dangerously hot conditions, which are expected to continue through Thursday, June 11. Heat index values are expected to reach up to 109 degrees. Residents are urged to take precautions to stay cool, hydrated, and informed, as the prolonged heat elevates the risk of heat-related illnesses.

“This is the first dangerously hot stretch of the summer, and the high humidity makes it more dangerous than the temperature alone suggests,” says Gregg Favre, Commissioner of Emergency Management. “If you’re responsible for outdoor workers, summer campers, or anyone who can’t easily get to air conditioning, make sure they have shade, water, and regular breaks. Heat illness can escalate fast. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear before taking action.”

Without precautions, the predicted dangerously high temperatures and humidity could quickly cause heat stress, exhaustion, or heat stroke. While heat stress and exhaustion can often be remedied by going to a cooled environment and hydrating, heat stroke no is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention.

Signs of heat-related illness include:

• Heat Exhaustion

  • Heavy sweating

  • Weakness or dizziness

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Headache

  • Cold, pale, or clammy skin

• Heat Stroke (Call 911 immediately if you suspect heat stroke):

  • High body temperature (103°F or higher)

  • Hot, red, dry or damp skin

  • Confusion

  • Fainting

  • Rapid, strong pulse

“Excessive daytime heat can result in dangerous conditions for many city residents, including the elderly, young children, those with disabilities, and outdoor workers,” said Victoria Anwuri, Commissioner of Health for the City of St. Louis. “Ensure your own safety by staying hydrated, staying indoors, and wearing light, loose clothing and sunscreen if going outside is necessary, then check on those who are vulnerable and may need assistance.”

Heat-Related Health and Safety Tips for People:

• Avoid poorly ventilated areas and prolonged work in the sun

• Keep plenty of fluids on hand and stay inside, or take frequent breaks in an air-conditioned environment

• Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke

• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing

• Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle. Check the backseat before exiting. During extreme heat, vehicle temperatures can reach lethal levels in minutes

• Routinely check on family members, neighbors, the elderly, the chronically ill, and friends. If they have air conditioning available, encourage them to use it

• Replace salt and minerals: heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body that need to be replaced. A sports drink can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat

• If you are on a low-salt diet, have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other chronic conditions, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage or taking salt tablets

Heat-Related Health and Safety Tips for Pets:

• In extreme heat, it is important that pets are in an air-conditioned environment

• Never leave pets alone in a vehicle. If you see a pet in an unattended vehicle, call 911

• Watch for coolant leaking from your vehicle. A pet drinking just a small amount can cause death

• Do not force your animal to exercise after a meal in hot, humid weather. Limit exercise to the early morning or evening hours

• Never leave your pet standing on asphalt surfaces, as they can burn their paws

Heat-related Services available for residents:

• Sign up for NotifySTL to receive real-time emergency alerts and weather-related updates from the City of St. Louis.

• Cooldown St. Louis is helping area seniors and people with physical disabilities who qualify for new air-conditioning units and utilities this summer. Low-to-moderate-income households may also seek utility assistance through CoolDownStlouis.org. Seniors may call the automated hotline at 314-241-0001 or 314-657-1599 for assistance. To be considered for an air conditioner, seniors or individuals with physical disabilities must not have a working air conditioner.

• For cooling site information, visit the City of St. Louis Cooling Centers website. For mobile outreach, please call the St. Patrick’s Center at 314-561-0278

• For help with a serious heat-related illness, call 911

• Immediately report animals in distress to the City of St. Louis Animal Care and Control division at 314-657-1500 during regular business hours. During evenings and weekends, call the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department at 314-231-1212

• Additional tips on child safety and child injury prevention can be found at http://www.safekids.org/safetytips/field_risks/heatstroke

• Additional tips on safety related to extreme heat can be found on the CDC website.