Joseph L. Thomas
Director
Sussex County
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
(302) 855-7801 Office
21911 RUDDER LANE
(302) 855-7805 Fax
P.O. BOX 589
(302) 855-7803 Office After Hours
GEORGETOWN, DE 19947
(302) 855-7800 Fax After Hours
Heat soars again in Sussex County
County government reminds public to use three libraries as
“cooling stations” to escape triple-digit temps
FOR IMMEDIATE 1700 Hours, Friday
RELEASE July 23, 2010
Another blast of 100-degree heat is in the forecast for Sussex County this
weekend, which is sure to send residents and visitors alike in search of relief
from triple-digit temperatures that could cause everything from health
problems to power interruptions.
To help those in need of heat relief, Sussex County Administrator David B.
Baker reminds the public of three “cooling stations” that will be available
during this weekend’s extreme weather. Temperatures on Saturday could top
100 degrees, with heat index values approaching 110 degrees.
The air-conditioned facilities available on Saturday, July 24, include:
South Coastal Library Milton Library Greenwood Library
43 Kent Ave. 121 Union Street 100 Mill Street
Bethany Beach, DE Milton, DE Greenwood, DE
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday
Sussex County paramedics will make routine stops at these locations, as
time permits, to answer any heat-related questions and/or concerns. When
coming to the relief stations, please bring any medications and/or specialty
items that you need.
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Sussex County
through 8 p.m. Saturday. Forecasters are predicting daytime temperatures
close to 100 degrees, accompanied by very humid conditions. Daytime
temperatures on Sunday are forecast to be slightly less, in the upper 90s,
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before dropping to the upper 80s on Monday. A slight chance of showers
and thunderstorms Sunday evening could provide some overnight relief.
Residents and visitors are urged to limit exposure outside, particularly
during the hottest part of the day – roughly from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. Those
who must be outside should take frequent breaks, and drink plenty of water.
Here are some hot weather safety tips:
• Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing. Lighter clothing deflects
sunlight, and will not absorb heat like dark materials do;
• Stay in properly ventilated areas;
• Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day;
• Have plenty of water available. Avoid alcoholic beverages;
• Be aware of the signs of heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke,
and seek medical attention if necessary. Signs of heat cramps can
include muscular pains and spasms from heavy exertion. Resting in a
cooler area, taking occasional sips of water and stretching the muscle
mildly can counter the effects of heat cramps. Heat exhaustion and
heat stroke are much more serious, and may require immediate
medical attention. Symptoms of heat exhaustion can include a pale or
flushed appearance, as well as headache and nausea. Heat stroke
symptoms include rapidly increased body temperature, loss of
consciousness, rapid or weak pulse and rapid, shallow breathing.
Be sure to check on friends, relatives and neighbors, particularly the elderly
and young children, who may be at risk for exposure to the heat. Remember
to give pets extra water, provide shade or bring them into a residence where
temperatures are cooler.
It’s also important to keep in mind that due to the higher temperatures and
humidity expected in the area over the next couple of days, demand for
electricity will increase. In an effort to reduce costs and avoid power
shortages, Mr. Baker, along with the Sussex County Emergency Operations
Center, asks all residents and business operators in Sussex County to help
conserve power to avoid outages.
You can help in the conservation of electricity by taking the following steps:
• Set air conditioners to 80 degrees, or use fans instead, and minimize
the opening of refrigerators and freezers;
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• Limit the use of electric water heaters and turn off non-essential
appliances and lights;
• Delay using high-energy appliances, such as washing machines and
dryers, until after 8 p.m.;
• Prepare light summer meals that require minimal, if any, cooking. Try
using an outdoor grill or microwave oven instead of an electric range;
• Keep window shades, blinds, or drapes closed to block the sunlight
during the hottest portion of the day;
• Move lamps, TVs and other heat sources away from air conditioner
thermostats. Heat from those appliances is sensed by the thermostat
and could cause an air conditioner to run longer than necessary;
• Move furniture and other obstacles from in front of central air
conditioning ducts to allow cooler air to circulate through rooms more
freely.
Businesses can conserve electricity by:
• Raising thermostats;
• Turning off unnecessary lighting and equipment.
The Sussex County Emergency Operations Center will continue to monitor
the weather situation and issue updates as needed. For more information,
please call (302) 855-7801.
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COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT • EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT • FIRE AND AMBULANCE CALLBOARD-LEPC 3
Heat Wave
Are You Ready for a Heat Wave?
Here’s what you can do to prepare yourself and your family
Know what these terms mean Stay indoors as much as possible. Treatment of heat emergencies
Heat wave: Prolonged period of If air conditioning is not available, Heat cramps: Get the person to
excessive heat and humidity. The stay on the lowest floor, out of the a cooler place and have him or
National Weather Service steps up sunshine. Try to go to a public her rest in a comfortable position.
its procedures to alert the public building with air conditioning Lightly stretch the affected muscle
during these periods of excessive each day for several hours. and replenish fluids. Give a half
heat and humidity. Remember, electric fans do not glass of cool water every 15 minutes.
cool the air, but they do help Do not give liquids with alcohol or
Heat index: A number in degrees
sweat evaporate, which cools caffeine in them, as they can make
Fahrenheit (F) that tells how
your body. conditions worse.
hot it really feels when relative
humidity is added to the actual Wear lightweight, light-colored Heat exhaustion: Get the person
air temperature. Exposure to full clothing. Light colors will reflect out of the heat and into a cooler
sunshine can increase the heat away some of the sun’s energy. place. Remove or loosen tight cloth-
index by 15° F. Drink plenty of water regularly ing and apply cool, wet cloths, such
Heat cramps: Heat cramps are and often. Your body needs water as towels or sheets. If the person
muscular pains and spasms due to keep cool. is conscious, give cool water to
to heavy exertion. Although heat drink. Make sure the person drinks
Drink plenty of fluids even if you slowly. Give a half glass of cool
cramps are the least severe, they do not feel thirsty.
are an early signal that the body water every 15 minutes. Do not
is having trouble with the heat. Water is the safest liquid to drink give liquids that contain alcohol
during heat emergencies. Avoid or caffeine. Let the victim rest in
Heat exhaustion: Heat exhaustion drinks with alcohol or caffeine in a comfortable position, and watch
typically occurs when people exer- them. They can make you feel carefully for changes in his or
cise heavily or work in a hot, humid good briefly, but make the heat’s her condition.
place where body fluids are lost effects on your body worse. This
through heavy sweating. Blood flow Heat stroke: Heat stroke is a
is especially true about beer, life-threatening situation. Help
to the skin increases, causing blood which dehydrates the body.
flow to decrease to the vital organs. is needed fast. Call 9-1-1 or your
This results in a form of mild shock. Eat small meals and eat more local emergency number. Move the
If not treated, the victim may suf- often. Avoid foods that are person to a cooler place. Quickly
fer heat stroke. high in protein, which increase cool the body. Immerse victim in
metabolic heat. a cool bath, or wrap wet sheets
Heat stroke: Heat stroke is around the body and fan it. Watch
life-threatening. The victim’s Avoid using salt tablets unless
for signals of breathing problems.
temperature control system, which directed to do so by a physician.
Keep the person lying down and
produces sweating to cool the body, continue to cool the body any way
stops working. The body tempera- Signals of heat emergencies you can. If the victim refuses water
ture can rise so high that brain Heat exhaustion: Cool, moist, pale, or is vomiting or there are changes
damage and death may result if or flushed skin; heavy sweating; in the level of consciousness, do
the body is not cooled quickly. headache; nausea or vomiting; not give anything to eat or drink.
dizziness; and exhaustion. Body
Sunstroke: Another term for
temperature will be near normal. Your local contact is:
heat stroke.
Heat stroke: Hot, red skin;
If a heat wave is predicted or changes in consciousness; rapid,
happening— weak pulse; and rapid, shallow
breathing. Body temperature can
Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity.
be very high—as high as 105° F.
If you must do strenuous activity,
If the person was sweating from
do it during the coolest part of the
heavy work or exercise, skin may
day, which is usually in the morning
be wet; otherwise, it will feel dry.
between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Stock Number NOAA PA 94052
or
ARC 5032
Rev. Aug. 1998
Are You Ready for
a Heat Wave?
Heat can affect anyone. However, it is more likely to affect young children, elderly people, and people with health prob-
lems. For instance, people with a medical condition that causes poor blood circulation, and those who take medications
to get rid of water from the body (diuretics) or for certain skin conditions, may be more susceptible. Consult with a
physician if you have any questions about how your medication may affect your ability to tolerate heat.
Be prepared for heat emergencies by having various members of the family do the activities on the checklist below. Then
get together to discuss and finalize your Family Disaster Plan.
____ Discuss what each member of the family would do during a heat wave. Where are the safest
and coolest places to be at home? . . . at work? . . . at school? . . . and in other places where you
may go?
Coolest place at home: __________________________________________________________________________
____ If your home does not have air conditioning, choose other places you go to get relief from the
heat during the warmest part of the day.
Cool places to go to avoid heat: __________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
____ Plan changes in your daily activities that would be needed to avoid strenuous work during the
warmest part of the day.
Changes to daily activities: ______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
____ Plan to wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Clothing choices: ______________________________________________________________________________
____ Some family members may be taking medications or have medical conditions that may cause
poor blood circulation or reduced ability to tolerate heat. Discuss these concerns with a physi-
cian.
Physician’s special recommendations: ______________________________________________________________
____ Take an American Red Cross first aid course to learn how to treat heat emergencies and other
emergencies.
Household member(s) trained in first aid: __________________________________________________________
Certifications good through: _____________________________________________________________________
(date)
And remember . . . when a heat wave, thunderstorm, tornado, earthquake, flood, fire, or other emergency happens in
your community, you can count on your local American Red Cross chapter to be there to help you and your family. Your
Red Cross is not a government agency and depends on contributions of your time, money, and blood.
For more information, contact your local Red Cross chapter, National Weather Service office, or emergency management
agency. You can also visit these Web sites:
American Red Cross: www.redcross.org
National Weather Service: www.nws.noaa.gov
Federal Emergency Management Agency: www.fema.gov