West Chester, PA: The National Weather Service (NWS) advises a major excessive heat event is expected to hit Chester County beginning Wednesday, June 20, 2012. Excessive heat will continue into Thursday, June 21, and may extend into Friday, June 22. Maximum heat index values above 105 are possible. Thursday will be the hottest day of the event.
Chester County is currently under a heat warning. A heat warning means that a prolonged period of dangerously hot temperatures will occur. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses are likely. It is recommended that citizens drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Those who do not have air conditioning should go to places that do; malls, libraries, and senior centers are a few possibilities.
Those working or spending time outside should take extra precautions. When possible, reschedule strenuous activity to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.
To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency – Call 9-1-1.
Also, take care of your pets. Animals do not perspire and rely on panting, wetting down, shade, cool earth and drinking water for cooling. Take the extra steps to take care of your pets.
To get additional weather alerts, sign up for Chester County’s emergency text alert ReadyNotifyPA – www.readynotifypa.org . Also you can follow Chester County Department of Emergency Services on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ccdes and Twitter at www.twitter.com/ccdes or our website at www.chesco.org/des.
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