Health officials urge precautions as heat advisory takes effect
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Extreme heat is expected to affect the area, and health officials are urging residents to take precautions to protect themselves from heat-related illnesses.
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory in effect from noon to 10 pm. With the heat index reaching about 105 degrees.
Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illness, like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat exhaustion is the body’s response to a severe loss of water and salt, usually from heavy sweating. Heat stroke is the most severe, life-threatening form of heat illness where the body’s cooling system fails completely.
Kristi Billings, interim clinic supervisor at the St. Joseph health department says the symptoms of both illness are similar.
"Heat exhaustion, it's going to be like heavy sweating, maybe some confusion can come with that too. Extreme thirst, muscle cramps, dizziness and headaches," she said. "Then with heat stroke, you can see their skin getting hot or like really red which is unusual for some people and confusion."
Multiple group are at risk when it comes to heat-related illness.
"Young children or elderly, but then also athletes that do any kind of exercise during the high temperatures. Construction workers, anybody that's out in it is at higher risk," Billings said.
When experiencing extreme heat it's important to drink water even if you're not not thirsty.
"Just drink a little more extra than you would normally. Usually that would compensate for what you're putting out," she said.
Billings offers a few tips on how residents can protect themselves from extreme heat.
"Stay inside where the air conditioner is, light clothing and take frequent breaks," she said. If you don't have access to air maybe go places that have air conditioners or use fans."
If someone is experiencing a heat stroke, call emergency services immediately.
"Get the person out of the heat. If you don't have an air conditioning place, get them into the shade. Try to cool them as fast as possible," she said.
United Way of Greater St. Joseph also posted a list of cooling centers and emergency shelters available for the public.
