Will County EMA Reminds Residents of Safety Tips During Heat Advisory

WILL COUNTY – The Will County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) is advising residents to take precautions during an ongoing extreme heat period for the region.

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. on August 26 and an Excessive Heat Watch from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on August 27. The heat index is expected to reach as high as 116 degrees during this period. In these conditions, heat stroke, heat cramps or heat exhaustion are possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity.

“Extreme heat can sneak up on people,” said Will County EMA Director Allison Anderson. “Take precautions to make sure you and your loved ones aren’t overheating this week. Parents and guardians should try to minimize the time your kids are spending outdoors after school, when the heat will be at its worst. We’re also asking employers to take steps to avoid having their staff outside for prolonged periods of time.”

In Illinois, heat is responsible for the highest number of weather-related deaths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides the following list of warning signs and symptoms of heat illnesses:

• Heat Cramp Symptoms: Painful muscle cramps/spasms usually in legs and abdomen; heavy sweating.
• Heat Exhaustion Symptoms: Heavy sweating, weakness or tiredness, cool, pale, clammy skin; fast, weak pulse, muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, headache, fainting.
• Heat Stroke Symptoms: Throbbing headache, confusion, dizziness, body temperature above 103°F, hot, red, dry or damp skin, rapid and strong pulse, fainting, loss of consciousness.

Residents should also be aware of the following tips during periods of high temperatures:

• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, and lightweight clothing.
• Ensure children are wearing appropriate clothing and avoiding long periods of time outdoors.
• Avoid strenuous activity outdoors.
• Fans will move air around, but do not lower your temperature.
• Use air conditioning inside your home or visit an air-conditioned location.
• Check in with relatives and neighbors on if they have access to air conditioning.
• Never leave children or pets in a vehicle unattended.

Outdoor work should be minimized during extreme heat and employers are recommended to avoid heavy-duty outdoor projects during a Heat Advisory. For anyone working outdoors during extreme heat, the National Safety Council recommends the following preventative measures:

• Eat light. The more calories you take in, the more body heat you produce.
• Drink plenty of fluids before work and throughout the day. Avoid caffeine.
• Wear lightweight clothing. Wide brimmed hats protect workers from direct sunlight.

Residents should also be aware of the cooling centers available in almost every community in the county, including in village halls, fire stations, libraries, and other public meeting sites.

For a full listing of cooling centers, visit the Will County Emergency Management Agency website at www.willcountyema.org/warmingcooling.

More tips on extreme heat safety can be found from IEMA at https://ready.illinois.gov/hazards/extremetempshot.html.