Potentially Deadly Heat Arriving In Pittsburgh; Cooling Centers Open

PITTSBURGH, PA — A heat wave in Western Pennsylvania will produce heat index values of between 100 and 105 by Friday, the National Weather Service predicted early Wednesday.

That's dangerously hot.

Pittsburgh CitiParks is activating six health living center as cooling centers today. They will be open from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. The locations are in Beechview, Brighton Heights, Greenfield, Homewood, Shearden and the South Side.

Allegheny County Health Department officials have sent out a warning reminding people that extreme heat heat results in the highest number of annual deaths nationwide among weather-related hazards.

In hot conditions, evaporation is slowed, and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. High humidity increases the risk of heat-related health issues.Allegheny County Emergency Services reminds people to prepare for extreme heat by learning the signs of heat-related illness and the ways to respond to it. Heat cramps and heat exhaustion can result in muscle pains or spasms, heavy sweating, paleness, weakness, dizziness, headache, or difficulty continuing with physical activity.

Anyone experiencing those symptoms should go to a cooler location, loosen or remove clothing, take sips of chilled water or sports drinks, and get medical help if the symptoms don’t improve rapidly.Signs of heat stroke include an extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees taken orally); red, hot, and dry skin with no sweating; rapid, strong pulse; dizziness; confusion; or unconsciousness.

If you see those symptoms in a person, call 911 or get the person to a hospital immediately. Cool the individual using whatever means necessary until medical help arrives.

Power failures are possible during hot weather. Be prepared by ensuring that you have a fully-charged phone, battery-operated radio, and spare batteries. Stock up on food items that do not require refrigeration or cooking and have plenty of drinking water available.