FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Noble Maseru, Ph.D., MPH
Health Commissioner
Board of Health
City of Cincinnati
Cincinnati—Dr. Noble Maseru, City of Cincinnati Health Commissioner has declared an excessive heat warning from noon Monday, July 18 through the remainder of the week. This designation is being declared in conjunction with the National Weather Service guidelines for and excessive heat warning:
http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/discussions/nfdscc5.html
Temperatures at this level are potentially dangerous and put individuals at risk for heat related illness if the proper precautions are not followed.
“It is going to be awfully hot this week and we want folks to know that they should take precautions to keep themselves, and others, safe during this heat wave,” said Dr. Steven Englender Director of the Cincinnati Health Department’s Center for Public Health Preparedness.
It is important to check on elderly and individuals with illnesses that decrease their ability to respond to extreme heat (those with heart and kidney disease, high blood pressure, recent stroke, diarrhea or mental illness). Infants and small children are also at greater risk to experience heat related illness. People who work outdoors, including construction workers and roofers, should be aware of the dangerously high temperatures and should drink plenty of water even when not thirsty.
Cincinnati Recreation Centers will be open during normal hours to serve as “Cool Centers” for heat relief. They will provide a cool comfortable place to sit and rest. To locate a Cincinnati Recreation Center close to you, click here, or call 513-352-4000.
To avoid heat stress or heat related illness, Cincinnati citizens are advised to take the following precautions:
- Drink plenty of water, even if not thirsty.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages; alcohol can increase a person’s risk to heat related illnesses.
- Decrease physical activity such as yard work or exercise. Activities should occur on the morning or in the evening. Stay in the shade as much as possible.
- Individuals with chronic health problems, such as heart disease or lung problems, should minimize activities because the heat will add additional stress.
- Extra caution should be taken for the elderly and young infants and children to assure that they are protected from the heat.
- Individuals on medications should check with their doctor or pharmacist to see if the medicines put them at increased risk of heat related illness.
- Check on those who may need assistance.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose, cotton clothing.
- Eat light meals.
- Adjust blinds, shades and awnings to keep the sun out.
- Children and pets should not be left unattended in closed vehicles. Temperatures quickly rise to dangerous levels.
- Use air conditioning, or spend time in a cool basement. Many facilities such as libraries, malls, movie theaters and other public areas are air-conditioned.
- Keep in mind fans are only effective when they are bringing in cool air. When the relative humidity is high, the evaporative cooling of sweat is diminished.
The Cincinnati Health Department monitors the weather forecast daily and issues Heat Alerts and Heat Emergencies to alert the public of potentially dangerous temperatures. Watch for these alerts on your local news outlet or the Health Department on the:
Website www.cincinnati-oh.gov,
Twitter www.twitter.com/CinciHealthDept
