[Durham INC] Durham County Emergency Officials Urge Caution During Thursday’s Extreme Temperatures

[Jones, Henry R.]

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release                                          Date: 07/29/21
Contact: Public Information Office                   Phone: (919) 560-0000/Fax: (919) 560-0020
E-mail: publicinformationoffice at dconc.gov<mailto:publicinformationoffice at dconc.gov>

Durham County Emergency Officials Urge Caution During Thursday’s Extreme Temperatures

Durham, N.C. – With a heat index forecast of 101 today and possibly into Friday, Durham County Emergency Management officials are asking residents to use caution during these times of extreme heat.

Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat a body works overtime to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to illness and death. According to the National Weather Service<https://www.weather.gov/rah/heat>, extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards. Heat waves also injure more people on average than all other natural disasters combined.

The following information, gathered from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), may help you and your family manage during this upcoming heat wave:


•                     Wear lightweight, light colored clothing.

•                     Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

•                     Stay indoors and move to air-conditioned spaces in case of extreme heat.

•                     If using a face covering due to COVID-19 precautions, use one that is made of breathable fabric, such as cotton, instead of polyester. Don’t wear a mask if you feel yourself overheating or have trouble breathing due to the heat.

•                     Use sunscreen with an SPF higher than 15.

•                     Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Learn the signs here<https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html>.

•                     Do not leave children in enclosed spaces, such as a car, when it’s hot.

Office of Emergency Services Director Jim Groves stated, “our aging population is particularly susceptible to heat related injuries and I encourage folks to stay in an air-conditioned space and not risk working outside during the heat of the day.” Groves also encouraged everyone to check on family members, co-workers, neighbors, and friends and to provide pets with plenty of fresh water, shade, and to never leave them in a parked car.

Visit www.ready.gov/heat<http://www.ready.gov/heat> for more tips on how to stay safe during extreme heat events.

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