...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM NOON TO 7 PM CDT SATURDAY... * WHAT...Heat index values up to 105 expected. * WHERE...Portions of northeast Missouri, east central and southeast Iowa and northwest and west central Illinois. * WHEN...From noon to 7 PM CDT Saturday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.
The Knox County Health Department, Knox County Emergency Management Agency, and American Red Cross will be monitoring local conditions to see if the need arises for a formal cooling center to be opened over the next several days. Temperatures will be in the high 80s, but feel like the mid 90’s through the weekend. This combination of heat and humidity could be dangerous for those spending too much time outdoors. At-risk populations include the elderly and the very young who are most susceptible to heat and heat-related illnesses. Don’t forget about your pets! They should have plenty of water and shade to get out of the hot sun.
Residents can use the lobby in the Public Safety Building as a cooling center at 150 South Broad Street in Galesburg. Should the need for a 24-hour cooling center arise, the Red Cross will be contacted immediately.
Heat-related illnesses can cause serious injury and even death if unattended. Signs of heat-related illnesses include nausea, dizziness, flushed or pale skin, heavy sweating and headaches. Persons with heat-related illness should be moved to a cool place, given cool water to drink and ice packs or cool wet cloths should be applied to the skin. If a victim refuses water, vomits, or loses consciousness, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately.
