Chester County Warns Residents of Excessive Heat

The following is a press release from the Chester County Health Department.

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch for Chester County  in effect from noon on Friday, June 29^th until 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 1^st .  The Chester County Health Department and the Chester County Department of Emergency Services remind residents that extreme heat can pose a challenge to the body’s temperature control system. If the body does not cool properly, there is potential for heat-related illness, which can take different forms, ranging from general fatigue to muscular cramping to life-threatening heat stroke.

    The Chester County Department of Aging has a limited amount of fans available for seniors in the area. Call 610-344-6350 for more information about free fans for seniors. Seniors who do not have air conditioning should visit their local Senior Center to cool down. You do not have to be a member of the Senior Center to visit.  

    According to the National Weather Service, extreme heat claims the lives of approximately 500 Americans each year. Margaret Rivello, Chester County Health Director explains, “Those particularly at risk of experiencing heat-related illness include the very young, the elderly, and anyone whose work or recreation keeps them exposed to excessive indoor or outdoor heat conditions for lengthy periods of time”.

    To avoid heat-related illness, the Health Department recommends the following steps:

• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic, caffeine-free beverages. Water is the best choice. It is important to drink fluids regardless of thirst, because you can become dehydrated without being thirsty.
• Wear light colored and loose fitting cotton clothing.
• Stay in air-conditioning as much as possible. If your home is not air-conditioned, go to an air- conditioned place such as the mall, a movie theater, or the library.
• When using a fan, it is extremely important to have a window or door open to provide your living space with airflow.  Failure to have airflow will result in the fan circulating the existing hot air, increasing the temperature.
• Check regularly on elderly or home-bound friends and relatives.
• Eliminate strenuous activity such as running, biking and lawn care work when it is hot.
• Eat small meals and eat more often.
• If you must be outdoors, stay out of direct sunlight and seek shade; wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella to create your own shade.
• If you must be outdoors, use a sunscreen with a SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 15 or higher.
• Ask your physician if you are at particular risk because of any medical condition you have or medication you are taking.

    NEVER leave a child or animal unattended in a car, even with the windows down. Make a habit of looking inside the vehicle before walking away. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reminds parents that even cool temperatures in the 60’s can cause the temperature to rise well above 110 degrees inside your car.