Mayor And Other City Officials Urge Residents To Plan For Extreme Heat

In anticipation of a weekend of extreme heat, Louisville Metro Government is urging residents to take steps to ensure they are prepared to stay safe, cool and hydrated.

“The weather this weekend looks to be brutal, but there are steps we can all take to ensure we’re safe,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “So be smart. If you don’t have air conditioning, remember that spray-pads at our city’s parks, libraries, and shopping malls are all great places to stay cool and beat the heat. And please, check on your neighbors, especially the elderly.”

Emergency Services and Public Health officials also offer these tips for staying safe in the extreme heat:

• Prepare NOW
  • Find places in your community where you can go to get cool.
  • Keep your home cool by doing the following:
    • Cover windows with drapes or shades.
    • Weather-strip doors and windows.
    • Use window reflectors, such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside.
    • Install window air conditioners and insulate around them.
  • Learn to recognize the signs of heat-related illness (heat cramps, excessive sweating, weakness, dizzines, headache, nausea or vomiting and fainting).
• Be Safe DURING
  • Never leave a child, adult, or animal alone inside a vehicle on a warm day.
  • Find places with air conditioning or cool conditions. Libraries, spray-pads, shopping malls, and community centers can provide a cool place to take a break from the heat.
  • If you’re outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.
  • Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. If you or someone you care for is on a special diet, ask a doctor how best to accommodate it.
  • Do not use electric fans when the temperature outside is more than 95 degrees, as this could increase the risk of heat-related illness. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort, but do not reduce body temperature.
  • Avoid high-energy activities.

Among all weather-related hazards, extreme heat historically results in the highest number of annual deaths. Extreme heat is defined as a long period (2 to 3 days) of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees. In extreme heat, the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. This can lead to death by overworking the human body.