The Walgreens sign in Talladega while maybe off a degree or two does confirm the obvious — it's hot. Officials are urging residents to use caution and avoid long-term exposure to excessive heat.
The state was in the second day of a heat advisory from the National Weather Service on Friday, with temperatures forecast to hit triple-digits in parts of northwest Alabama. Dothan recorded 101 degrees Thursday.
The weather service says the combination of heat and humidity is creating heat index values of more than 105 degrees.
In addition, overnight temperatures in many areas will not drop below 75 degrees so that any heat that builds up in indoor areas will have very little opportunity to escape.
The Alabama Department of Public Health has also advised the public to be alert to the warning signals of heat illnesses since the National Weather Service issued the heat advisory.
People should drink plenty of water, stay in an air-conditioned room, and keep out of the sun. The public should also check on the elderly and ensure pets have plenty of water to drink and a shady place to cool off.
Heat-related illnesses occur when the bod’s temperature control system is overloaded. The Alabama Department of Public Health cautions everyone to be alert to the warnings that my signal help is needed.
State Health Officer Donald Williamson says measures to avoid heat-related illness include drinking more fluids, avoiding alcohol or caffeine, wearing hats and light clothes when outside and staying in an air-conditioned setting if possible.
Heat stroke, sometimes called sunstroke, is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. The body’s temperatures rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106 degrees or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.
Warning signs of heat stroke vary, but include the following:
• An extremely high body temperature above 103 degrees
• Red, hot and dry skin (no sweating)
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
•Unconsciousness
Get the person to a shady area, cool rapidly in a tub of cool water, place in a cool shower, spray with cool water from a garden hose, splash with cool water, or, if the humidity is low, place in a cool wet sheet and fan vigorously. Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the person’s body temperature drops to 101 to 102 degrees. If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call a hospital emergency room for further instructions.
Williamson said, “Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency. A person with heat stroke is likely to be unconscious or unresponsive, so he or she cannot safely consume any liquids. Under no circumstances should you give any alcohol to a person with heat stroke or any heat illness.”
Follow these preventive measures to avoid heat illnesses:
• Drink more fluids, and avoid beverage containing alcohol or caffeine
• When temperatures are extreme, stay indoors, ideally in an air conditioned place
• Take a cool shower or bath, and reduce or eliminate strenuous activities during the hottest time of the day
• Protect yourself from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and use a sunscreen SPF 15 or higher
• Never leave pets or people in a parked vehicle
Individuals with heart problems, poor circulation, diabetes, previous stroke or obesity are at greater risk of becoming sick in hot weather. The risk of heat-related illness may increase among people using medications for high blood pressure, nervousness or depression.
For more information, visit www.adph.org.
Associated Press contributed to this story.
