As temperatures push past 100 degrees yet again, Orange County officials are reminding residents there are plenty of places open to hide from the heat.

“All the libraries in our communities are open- that’s the county libraries, the town libraries- they’re all open,” says Kirby Saunders, Emergency Management Services coordinator for Orange County. “We’ve also activated our CERT, Community Emergency Response Team. A group out of Chestnut Ridge United Methodist Church in Efland has agreed to stay out there and open the doors of their church to allow citizens to come there.”

Saunders says it’s easier than you think to fall victim to the extreme heat.

“Heat-related injuries usually sneak up on people and it’s hard to identify them when they’re happening to you,” says Saunders. “So the best course of action is prevention, and the best way to do that is to stay out of the heat.”

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, shallow breathing, heavy sweating and a fast pulse. Heat stroke occurs when the body’s temperature stays too high for too long. It’s a serious medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

In addition to local libraries, cooling centers are open at the Central Orange Senior Center in Hillsborough, the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill and the Chestnut Ridge United Methodist Church in Efland. Parks and Recreation facilities in Chapel Hill are also available during regular business hours.

Given the heavy demand for air conditioning, Saunders warns there is the possibility of power outages. He asks residents to turn off unnecessary electronics and consider setting the thermostat to a slightly higher temperature.

Orange County Animal Services Director Bob Marotto says pets need help too.

“First and foremost, if we can bring our pets inside into a cool environment, that’s preferable to them being exposed to the blistering heat,” says Marotto.

If you have livestock or other pets that can’t be brought inside, make sure all animals have access to plenty of water and shade. Marotto reminds residents that you see a creature in distress, you can call Animal Services or 911.

“An animal’s life is at risk if it’s left in an automobile in weather of this kind, and in all likelihood, the animal will expire in a very short period of time,” warns Marotto.

Temperatures inside a parked car can reach 160 degrees in just 10 minutes, which can prove deadly for any animal or person stuck inside.

This week’s heat wave is slated to continue through Thursday. Saunders says it’s a good idea to check on neighbors, seniors, or anyone you know who may not have access to air conditioning.

“It’s important to use a community approach and check on neighbors, check on friends, especially the elderly and those who have greater risk of heat-related injuries,” says Kirby.

In recent years, heat-related injuries have caused more deaths than hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods. Orange County offers the following tips for staying safe in the heat:

Be Prepared

-Listen to local weather forecasts and stay aware of upcoming temperature changes
-Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
-Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
-Stay indoors, slow down and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day
-If you must work outdoors, take frequent breaks
-The elderly, young or medically fragile are more likely to become victims of excessive heat
-Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat
-If you do not have air conditioning, choose places you could go to for relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day (Cooling centers)
-Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
-Leave pets at home (don’t even take animals out in a vehicle if you may have to leave them locked inside)
-Ensure your animals’ needs for water and shade are met
-Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat

Medical Care: 

Recognize the signs of heat related illnesses.

Heat Cramps are muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in the legs or abdomen caused by exposure to high heat and humidity and loss of fluids and electrolytes. Heat cramps are often an early sign that the body is having trouble with the heat.

Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. Lightly stretch the affected muscle and replenish fluids.

Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes.

Heat Exhaustion typically involves the loss of body fluids through heavy sweating during strenuous exercise or physical labor in high heat and humidity.

Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea; dizziness; weakness; and exhaustion

Move the person to a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If the person is conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in condition.

If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, dial 9-1-1

Heat Stroke (also known as sunstroke) is a life-threatening condition in which a person’s temperature control system stops working and the body is unable to cool itself.

Signs of heat stroke include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting; and high body temperature.

Heat stroke is life-threatening. Dial 9-1-1 immediately.

Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person’s body by giving care as you would for heat exhaustion. If needed, continue rapid cooling by applying ice or cold packs wrapped in a cloth to the wrists, ankles, groin, neck and armpits.

The Orange County Department of Social Services (DSS) and Department on Aging can assist low-income elderly or medically fragile residents by distributing a limited number of fans and air conditioners for those who qualify. To take advantage of the free fans, please contact the DSS at 919.245.2800 or the Aging Helpline at 919.968.2087.
 
Additional heat-related and emergency assistance information can be found on the County’s Web site (www.orangecountync.gov) on the Emergency Services, Animal Services, Aging, Health, and the Department of Social Services pages.