Bracing for a sizzling week ahead, the Howard County Health Department has issued a heat alert, urging residents to prepare for a scorcher, with the mercury tipped to soar into the mid-to-high 90s. From Monday, July 8, right through Thursday, July 11, the time between noon and 8 p.m. is expected to be particularly sweltering as the combination of heat and humidity will push the 'feels-like' temperature up to a staggering 105 degrees Fahrenheit, as forecast by the National Weather Service, as per Howard County.
The health risks in such blistering heat are not to be taken lightly, symptoms such as light-headedness, headaches, and muscle cramps signal the onset of heat-related illness, while more severe signs include confusion, fatigue, excessive sweating, and rapid breathing, all residents are encouraged to stay alert for these warning signs and take common-sense steps to avoid heat-related illness. A particular concern is the wellness of children and pets, they are especially vulnerable and should never be left in parked cars or other hot environments.
In response to the risks, the Howard County Health Department advises donning light-colored, loose-fitting clothes and drinking plenty of fluids—preferably water and caffeine-free drinks, while avoiding alcohol which is counterproductive to maintaining hydration. The sun's rays are fiercest between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., so seek the sanctuary of shade or air-conditioned spaces if possible, and remember that frequent breaks can go a long way in preventing heat exhaustion or worse.
Helping one another is key in weathering the heat wave, check on your elderly neighbors, friends, and family, ensure they have access to cool spaces and are aware of how to recognize and react to heat stress, which includes but is not limited to; extreme weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, headache, or worse such as fainting or exhibiting dry, red skin. Community centers, 50+ Centers, and library branches across Howard County are opening their doors to those in need of respite from the heat. For those requiring immediate shelter assistance, the Grassroots hotline is available at 410-531-6677.
When the heat becomes more than just a discomfort, and a real emergency presents itself, don't hesitate to dial 9-1-1. For further information on how to stay safe during these extreme temperatures, the Howard County Health Department's website at www.hchealth.org houses a variety of heat safety resources for the community's use.
