News Flash

With the daytime heat index expected to reach or exceed 100 degrees over the next couple of days, it becomes even more important that everyone follow recommendations to protect themselves from the extreme heat.

Hampton's Emergency Management Office advises that city’s libraries and community centers are open to citizens to get out of the heat if needed, and there is water available at all of the facilities. The city is prepared to open a dedicated cooling site if necessary, and H.E.L.P., Inc. has its Day Center at 329 Buckroe Ave. open as a heat respite site.

The Virginia Department of Health reminds us that one of the most important precautions people should take is to 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.

Here are additional steps you can take to protect yourself against heat-related illnesses:

Stay cool: 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 fluids: Drink plenty of fluids (2-4 glasses of cool fluids 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.

Protect yourself: 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.

Take it easy: Give your body a break as the heat wave can be stressful on your body. Limit physical activity until your body adjusts to the heat.

Watch out for children, pets: Never leave children or pets in cars. Temperatures inside a car can reach more than 150 degrees quickly, resulting in heat stroke and death.

It takes two: 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 below.

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