It’s about to get hot, Ohio.
A heat wave is settling in across the country. It will bring with it high temperatures in the 90s and heat indexes above 100 degrees across the state. The National Weather Services offices in Ohio have issued an extreme heat watch in all 88 of Ohio’s counties, warning of “dangerously hot conditions” that could bring an increase of heat-related illnesses like heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
And, the extreme heat could increase the potential for your car to break down as well as create a power outage at home because of the increased load on the electrical grid.
Do you know what to do to keep yourself cool and safe during extreme heat? Here are some tips from the Ohio Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, among others.
How to stay cool during a heat wave
When the temperatures climb, the Ohio Department of Health has some advice on how to stay safe and cool.
High-risk groups during a heat wave include infants, young children and older adults, according to the ODH, along with people with mental illness and chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, obesity, and poor blood circulation. People who are pregnant, work and exercise outdoors, and those without air conditioning in their homes are also considered high risk.
Here’s what ODH recommends:
Cooling centers to open, how to find one in Ohio
For those without air conditioning at home, cooling centers — public places with a/c where people can escape the heat — can be a lifesaver.
In Akron, the city has already announced the Summit Lake Community Center will extend its hours from Sunday, June 22, through Tuesday, June 24, according to the Akron Beacon Journal.
To find a cooling center near you, the National Center for Healthy Housing recommends calling your local 2-1-1 for information or checking your local news media.
Know the symptoms of heat stroke, heat exhaustion and how they’re different
Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition characterized by several symptoms:
People experiencing heat stroke need immediate medical assistance – call 911.
Before help arrives, begin cooling the exhausted individual by any means possible, such as spraying them with a garden hose or using cool cloths. Move the person to a cooler place.
Heat exhaustion is characterized by several symptoms:
Move the exhausted person to a cool place, loosen their clothing, and have them sip water. If possible, put cool, wet cloths on the person or have them take a cool bath.
If the individual begins throwing up, or if symptoms get worse or last for over an hour – call 911.
Medications and summer heat
If you have been prescribed medication, the heat can affect them if they are not stored properly, such as leaving them in a hot car. And, some medications can make you more sensitive to the sun and heat, according to the Drug and Poison Information Center.
Medicines affected by extreme heat include:
Medications that can increase the chance of a sunburn include:
How to prepare for a heat wave and power outage
If a heat wave is coming, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, American Red Cross and others have some advice on how to prepare for the hot weather and potential outages:
Weather forecast for Akron, Canton, Columbus and Cincinnati
Here’s how hot it’s expected to get around Ohio, according to the National Weather Service extended forecast.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio, a heat wave is coming. Here’s how to stay cool, safe when it’s hot. Latest forecast
Reporting by Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
