Indianapolis is going to see temperatures in the 90s this week, according to the National Weather Service, so here are a few reminders on how Hoosiers can make sure they stay safe during the severe heat.
Things to remember to stay safe in the heat
The City of Indianapolis previously shared the following tips for heat safety:
Pools and splash pads at Indy Parks are also open. A list of open pools and splash pads can be found at parks.indy.gov.
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Find cooling centers in Indianapolis
Indiana residents can call 211 or 866-211-9966 to find cooling centers near them. Indiana 211 is a helpline providing Hoosiers with the information they need to stay safe during the extreme heat this summer.
You can find a list of current cooling centers in your area on Indiana 211’s website.
Report or add a cooling center by contacting the Indiana 211 resource team by email at in211database@fssa.in.gov.
Never leave children or pets unattended in vehicles
It is never safe to leave a child, disabled person or pet locked in a car. For more information about how cars can heat up quickly when left in the sun, check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website in both English and Spanish.
While this applies all year round, it is especially important on warm or hot summer days.
Every year, hundreds of pets die from heat exhaustion because they are left in parked vehicles, according to the American Veterinarian Medical Association. The temperature inside a vehicle can rise almost 20º F in just 10 minutes, and almost 30º F in 20 minutes.
The longer a pet, child or person is inside a car turned off in the heat, the higher it goes.
At one hour, your vehicle’s inside temperature can be more than 40 degrees higher than the outside temperature. Even on a 70-degree day, that’s 110 degrees inside a car.
What are the signs of heat-related illness?
Three main heat-related illnesses to be on the lookout for are heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
If any of the following symptoms are evident in you or another person: move to a cooler area, loosen any clothing and sip cool water. Seek a medical professional if any of the symptoms don’t improve within an hour.
Signs of heat cramps
Heat cramps may be the first sign of illness that could lead to more serious symptoms. Cramps shows up as painful muscle cramps or spasms along with heavy sweating, according to NWS. Use firm pressure on the cramping muscles and massage them gently.
Signs of heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion will show up as heavy sweating, weakness or tiredness with cool and clammy skin. The person’s pulse may be quick but weak and they may exhibit dizziness or nausea. Immediately move the person to an air-conditioned room, loosen clothing and apply cool, wet cloth to the skin.
Signs of heat stroke
Heat stroke needs immediate medical attention, so call 9-1-1 or get the patient to a hospital. Heat stroke can appear as throbbing headaches, confusion, nausea, dizziness, body temperatures above 103 degrees. The patient’s skin can also appear red with a lack of sweat. This is a serious illness and delays in medical care can be fatal.
Who are the most vulnerable populations in the heat?
Groups that may be particularly vulnerable to heat include:
Los recursos del tiempo de Indiana en Español
Para residentes hispanohablantes en Indiana, IndyStar tiene una página web de recursos para el tiempo en Español. La página web es accesible aquí y visite weather.gov/ind/espanol a encontrar el pronóstico del tiempo diario, condiciones próximas e información adicional de seguridad.
Para información sobre el preveción de muertes por calor extremo y más visite nhtsa.gov/es.
Karl Schneider contributed to this report. Former reporter Jade Jackson contributed to the report.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis to see temperatures in the 90s. Stay safe in the heat, Hoosiers
Reporting by Katie Wiseman and Cheryl V. Jackson, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Katie Wiseman and Cheryl V. Jackson, Indianapolis Star | USA TODAY Network
