Owatonna Fire Department is joining the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and the National Weather Service in promoting general weather safety this week for Severe Weather Awareness Week. This is the perfect time for residents to practice their preparedness for the variety of severe weather hazards that occur in Minnesota.
To finish off Severe Weather Awareness Week, today’s focus is on extreme heat.
Even in the spring, heat with or without humidity can take a toll on the body. Know the signs of heat-related illnesses: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. During a heat wave, take these precautions to stay safe:
- Slow down: Reduce, eliminate, or reschedule strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day.
- Dress for summer: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing to reflect heat
- Eat light: Choose easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads.
- Drink plenty of water: Focus on drinking non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids that are not very cold. Drink water, even when not feeling thirsty.
- Use air conditioners: Spend time in air-conditioned locations during the hottest parts of the day. If air conditioning is not available, be in a location with adequate shade, airflow, and ventilation. Make use of public locations such as malls or libraries and use cooling centers if available.
- Use portable electric fans: Fans exhaust hot air from rooms or draw in cooler air. Do not direct the air flow towards anyone when room temperatures are hotter than 90°F as this can increase the rate of dehydration,
- Minimize direct exposure to the sun: Sunburn reduces the body’s ability to dissipate heat. Take a cool bath or shower.
- Be aware of infants, older, sick, or frail people and pets: NEVER leave any person or animal in a closed parked vehicle.
Understand what the different heat-related weather alerts mean:
- Excessive Heat Outlook
- The potential exists for an excessive heat event in the next 3-7 days.
- Excessive Heat Watch
- The conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event in the next 24 to 72 hours.
- The heat index is expected to be greater than 105°F AND nighttime low temperatures will be at least 75°F or higher for two consecutive days.
- Excessive Heat Warning
- An excessive heat event is expected in the next 36 hours and the conditions pose a threat to life.
- Issued within 12 hours of the heat index reaching 105°F for any length of time.
More information is available on the Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) and National Weather Service websites.