Nashville, TN – The Nashville Office of Emergency Management is urging everyone to take precautions during the week ahead due to forecast extreme heat. Also, please check on vulnerable people including children and older adults.
This is especially important when working outside and doing strenuous work. Hydrate often, wear light colored clothes and take frequent breaks in the shade.
The National Weather Service forecasts extreme heat for Metro Nashville and Davidson County for much of the weekend and into next week.
Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days.
According to NWS, dangerous hot and humid conditions will develop during at least the first part of next work week. Afternoon heat index values will climb up to as high as 105 degrees for locations west of the Cumberland Plateau Region Monday through Wednesday afternoons.
In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death. Extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards.
Specific to cooling stations our protocol is to activate mobile or stationary cooling stations once the heat index reaches 110 degrees for a prolonged period.
However, during extraordinary circumstances like several heat-related illness calls this plan can be activated for the public safety.
For Children:
· Never leave your child alone in a car, not even for a minute or if the car is running.
· Keep your car locked when you are not in it, so kids don’t gain access
· Create reminders by putting something in the back seat next to your child, such as a briefcase, purse, cell phone or your left shoe
· If you see a child alone in a car, call 911
· Set a calendar reminder on your electronic device to make sure you dropped your child off at daycare; develop a plan so you will be alerted if your child is late or a no-show
For Older Adults:
People aged 65 years or older do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
· Older adults should stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If your home doesn’t have air conditioning, contact your local health department, or locate an air-conditioned shelter in your area like city community centers, libraries and other public buildings.
· Do not rely on a fan as your main cooling source when it’s extremely hot outside.
· Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
o If your doctor limits the amount of fluids you drink or has you on water pills, ask them how much you should drink during hot weather.
· Don’t use the stove or oven to cook—it will make you and your house hotter.
· Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
· Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
· Do not engage in very strenuous activities and get plenty of rest.
· Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.
For Pets:
You should also pay close attention to your pets during the hot and humid days ahead.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) you should know:
- Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot or humid outdoors.
- Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful not to over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot.
- Know the symptoms of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. Symptoms can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.
- Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.
- Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle.
- When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Being so close to the ground, your pooch’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.
Metro Nashville’s Action Commission has programs available to help with energy assistance.
