AREA HEAT ALERT: USE CAUTION

People need to take extra precautions in the sweltering heat that has gripped the region.

With temperatures reaching in the mid- and high-90s and heat indexes of 105 degrees, a heat advisory has been issued through the weekend. Temperatures are expected to remain in the mid-90s through at least Monday.

A statewide hot weather health advisory is issued by the Missouri Department of Health when heat indexes of 105 degrees over a large portion of the state are predicted or reached. Cape Girardeau has experienced heat indexes of up to 105 degrees most of this week.

The heat index, which measures how hot it feels, is based upon a combination of temperature and humidity. A heat index of 105 degrees is reached when the temperature is 95 degrees and relative humidity 50 percent or when the temperature is 90 degrees and relative humidity 67 percent.

There hadn't been many heat-related emergencies reported in Cape Girardeau through Friday afternoon, but Charlotte Craig, director of the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center said she wouldn't be surprised to see more emergencies this weekend.

"If we continue to have high humidity and high temperature, more people are likely to have heat-related illnesses," she said.

Not only do heat-related illnesses rise with heat and humidity, so does electric consumption. Doug Groesbeck, district manager for AmerenUE, said consumption peaks during the summer months.

"In the summer months when you have temperatures in the high 90s day in and day out, that will put a strain on the electrical system," he said.

This week has seen the highest electric consumption of the year. The high consumption tests the capacity, but Groesbeck said the local system is in good shape.

AmerenUE did ask customers to cut back on consumption Thursday, but the company isn't asking they do so now. The cutbacks were a result of a request made by Mid-American Interconnected Network, a five-state network of utility companies, and it wasn't because of any problems, said AmerenUE representative Susan Bell.

When it is this hot precautions should be taken to prevent heat-related stresses. The Missouri Department of Health has the following recommendations:

-- Be aware of warning signs such as light-headedness, mild nausea or confusion, sleepiness or profuse sweating.

-- Increase fluid intake, and drink non-alcoholic and caffeine-free liquids.

-- Replace salt and minerals in the diet.

-- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

-- When unaccustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually.

-- Spend time in air-conditioned places.

-- Don't rely on fans as your primary cooling device. When temperatures reach around 100 degrees, depending on the humidity, fans may deliver hot air more quickly than your body can handle.

-- Schedule outdoor activities carefully, preferably before noon or in the evening.

-- When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your co-workers and have someone do the same for you.

-- Monitor those at high risk such as the elderly, infants and children up to 4 years of age, someone who is overweight or someone on medication.

-- Avoid hot foods and heavy meals.

-- Do not leave infants, children or pets unattended in a parked car or other hot environment.