Heat Advisory, Tips to Beat the Heat in Howard County

Yes, it’s been warm out, but according to the National Weather Service (NWS), it’s going to get hot today. The Howard County Health Department has issued a heat advisory with tips on how to stay cool and a safe as the mercury rises.

The heat advisory is in effect until Friday, July 19 at 8 p.m. According to NWS, we’ll see the hottest temperatures between 2 and 9 p.m. The thermometer will read about 93 degrees, but the heat index – a measure that takes into account humidity to describe hot it feels – will be closer to 98 degrees. 

This kind of heat can cause problems for some people, including the very young, the very old and people with certain health conditions. The health department suggests taking these precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.

Never leave children or pets unattended in a car or other hot environment. According to the NWS, the temperature in a car can rise from 80 to an unsafe 94 degrees in just two minutes. Earlier this month, a 16-month-old girl died after being left in a car for four hours. In just one hour, a car can reach temperatures in excess of 120 degrees. 

Additional tips:

• If you must be outside in the heat wear light-colored, light-weight, loose-fitting clothing, a hat and sunscreen. 

• Drink more water or other non-alcoholic and caffeine-free liquids.

• If possible stay out of the sun between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00p.m.

• Know the symptoms of heat related illness: extreme weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, headache, possible vomiting or fainting, dry red skin, convulsions, disorientation, delirium and coma.

• Check on elderly friends, family and neighbors who live alone.

• As with any other emergency, citizens should call 911 if they encounter a heat related emergency.

If you need someplace to go to escape the heat, Howard County residents can visit senior centers or library branches.