News Flash

June 23, 2015 - Temperatures are expected to soar today, with heat indexes between 100 and 104 degrees. Hampton's libraries and community centers are open for citizens and visitors who need a place to cool down.

Emergency Management Coordinator Hui-Shan Walker said water is available at all facilities, and Hampton is prepared to open a dedicated cooling site if needed. The heat index combines air temperature and relative humidity to describe how hot it feels outside.

The HELP Day Center at 329 Buckroe Ave. is open today from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. for those seeking heat respite. Day Center hours will be expanded if needed. Central United Methodist, 225 Chapel St, planned to serve a bag lunches/drinks from 9:30-11 a.m., for those in need, and HELP's mobile unit will be out today distributing water and Gatorade.

Emergency Management asks us to take precautions when outside, and to remember these tips from the Virginia Department of Health:

*Schedule or reschedule activities and outdoor work during the coolest parts of the day. In the summer, sunlight exposure is greatest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

*Keep cool in an air-conditioned area. Take a cool shower or a bath. Consider a trip to the mall or a local library or visit a friend with air conditioning. Spending at least two hours per day in air conditioning significantly reduces the risk of heat-related illnesses. When temperatures reach the upper 90s or above, a fan may not prevent heat-related illness.

*Drink plenty of fluids (2-4 glasses each hour.) To replace salt and minerals lost from sweating, drink fruit juice or a sports beverage during exercise or when you have to work outside. However, talk to your doctor first if you’re on a fluid-restricted diet or medications, or on a low-salt diet.

*Avoid sunburn and wear light clothing. Sunburn limits your body’s ability to keep itself cool and causes loss of body fluids. Use sunscreen with a high SPF. Lighter-weight clothing that is loose fitting and light colored is more comfortable during extreme temperatures. Use a hat to keep the head cool.

*Give your body a break - heat can be stressful. Limit physical activity until your body adjusts to the heat.

*Never leave children or pets in cars. Temperatures inside a vehicle can reach more than 150 degrees quickly, resulting in heat stroke and death.

*Use the “buddy system” if you’re working outside. If you’re working outside and suffer a heat-related illness, you could become confused or could lose consciousness. Therefore, make sure someone else knows of you plans.

For more information about heat-related illnesses, visit the Virginia Department of Health’s website at http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/Weather/ExtremeHeat.htm and http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/OEP/ExtremeHeat/.

The Office of Emergency Management will continue to monitor the heat and will provide updates as needed.