Take precautions in dealing with high temperatures

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July 28, 2010

Anonymous The Union-Recorder The Union-Recorder Wed Jul 28, 2010, 08:00 AM EDT

MILLEDGEVILLE — The heat wave made its yearly visit to Central Georgia last week with heat advisories and heat indexes topping 110 degrees. Aside from coming up with ways to beat the heat, the rise in temperatures and the dog days of summer should also bring into the focus the need for having a designated local area to serve as a cooling center for the elderly and those who need it.

Each year around 40 children die in the U.S. alone from being left in closed cars during hot weather. Earlier this week, an elderly woman in nearby Jeffersonville and an elderly couple in Bleckley County fell victim to cardiac arrest brought on by the rise in temperature.

For the past week, heat advisories have been in effect for our region as heat indexes have reached near the 110-degree mark. The National Weather Service issues excessive heat warnings and heat advisories to alert people when conditions outside can be dangerous because of the heat, and we should make every effort to take note and take precautions.

Recently published information by researchers at the University of Georgia’s Franklin College of Arts & Sciences indicates that the potential severity of temperatures is often more serious than one may think. In a recently published article, researchers indicated that in hot weather in an open parking lot, the inside temperature of a car can rise by 7 degrees Fahrenheit in five minutes, 13 degrees in 10 minutes, 29 degrees in 30 minutes and 47 degrees in an hour. These types of temperatures can be fatal, especially for children and the elderly, yet the heat may be unsuspecting if the thermometer isn’t in the triple-digit mark.

Take a few moments out of the day to check on neighbors who are elderly or those who have medical issues. Remember that a number of elderly residents who may be from another generation where air conditioning wasn’t an option may be used to coping with the heat rather than seeking ways to stay cooler on their own. Some may also not have the funds to run air conditioning or the access.

Remember to stress the importance of staying properly hydrated to children and teens who may be at band practice or sports practice this time of year, and don’t forget those who must work in the elements. Staying out in the elements for extended periods of time and not taking adequate precautions is not a proper way to cope.

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