A peak power alert has been issued and several cooling centers have opened across Richland County in response to the extreme heat scorching Ohio.
Heat index values are forecast to reach 100 degrees Monday and Tuesday throughout North Central Ohio.
Daytimes highs are expected to hit 94 degrees on Monday, 93 on Tuesday, 89 Wednesday, 89 Thursday and 89 Friday, meteorologists from the Cleveland office of the National Weather Service predicted.
The weather service has placed the Buckeye State under a heat advisory until Tuesday night.
“Heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat and high humidity events, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities,” the advisory warned.
Shelby under a peak power alert Monday afternoon
Shelby residents will see next year’s electric rates affected by today’s high temperatures.
The city is under a peak power alert 2-6 p.m. Monday, during which AEP predicts maximum electric usage citywide.
Shelby’s electricity is produced by AEP and brokered by AMP, then resold to city residents. All of the upkeep on the power lines is done by city workers rather than corporate employees.
Rates are determined based on the amount of electricity used during peak events.
Residents can help the cost-saving effort by raising thermostats, turning off unnecessary lights and even delaying loads of laundry during that 2-6 p.m. window Monday.
Richland County’s cooling centers open
Cooling shelters are available during normal business hours all day Monday, according to Terry Carter, coordinator of First Call 211 for Richland County.
All nine branches of the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library will accept guests in Mansfield, Bellville, Butler, Crestview, Lexington, Lucas, Madison Township, Ontario and Plymouth.
Each location is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. both Monday and Tuesday.
“There are no additional services there,” Carter said. “They’re open, air-conditioned locations that people can go to to get out of the heat.”
The Ontario Center, formerly known as the Richland Mall, is available as a cooling center 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.
Other shelters include the Lexington Senior Center, the Butler Event Center and Shelby’s Marvin Memorial Public Library.
‘Take extra precautions when outside’
Ohioans are advised to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check up on relatives and neighbors.
“Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing,” the weather service noted. “Try to limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Take action when you see symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.”
People outside throughout the day Monday and Tuesday are urged to take frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
Extreme heat should be treated with the same care and preparation as summer storms, the Ohio Department of Aging advised.
“As we age, it’s important that we understand how our bodies respond to extreme heat events and take extra precautions to keep ourselves cool,” ODA Director Ursel J. McElroy said. “We also encourage all Ohioans to check on older loved ones and neighbors regularly, since they are at increased risk for heat-related illness and complications.”
ztuggle@gannett.com
419-564-3508
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Cooling centers open, peak power alerts issued in Richland County during Ohio’s heat wave
Reporting by Zach Tuggle, Mansfield News Journal / Mansfield News Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
