Officials give advice on coping with the heat

With temperatures expected to remain in the 90s for the foreseeable future, it is a good time to find ways to beat the heat.

Robin Smith, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Paducah, Kentucky, said he expects temperatures to remain above normal for the next few weeks despite a cold front moving in as the weekend approaches.

"We might have one or two days where it will be in the upper 80s, but between now and the end of the month, temperatures will be in the low to mid-90s," he said.

The heat index Wednesday, which includes temperature and humidity, was 103 in Cape Girardeau, and the same is expected today.

A heat index that high is considered a potential danger for sunstroke, muscle cramps and heat exhaustion, according to information from the weather service.

Because of that, Smith advised people to wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and to drink plenty of fluids, although he cautioned against drinking soda or alcoholic beverages, which can be dehydrating.

He also said people who work or play outside should take frequent breaks and make time to check on the elderly or homebound and pets.

Although Smith said July typically is the hottest time of year for the region, temperatures now and in coming days are comparable.

Between June 19 and 25, the National Weather Service is marking Summer Weather Safety Week in conjunction with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the state Emergency Management Agency and other groups in an effort to help avoid heat-related deaths.

The most recent numbers from the weather service show there were 17 deaths from heat exposure in Missouri in 2015. The year before, the state saw 19 deaths, and 14 in 2013.

Meanwhile, the East Missouri Action Agency is reminding people they can apply for free home weatherization services if they meet income criteria, which are:

• $23,760 a year for a household of one;
• $32,040 a year for two;
• $40,320 for three;
• $48,600 for four;
• $56,880 for five;
• $65,160 for six;
• $73,460 for seven;
• $81,780 for eight.

Ensuring a home is properly weatherized not only reduces high energy costs, but helps keep cool air inside during summer and warm air inside during the winter.

Dave Scheck, a program manager for the agency, said technicians visit homes and conduct energy audits to see whether the structures have enough insulation or need weather stripping around doors or windows.

"We would look at the heating and cooling system to see if there's a problem with it, and then repair it," he said. "We can help seal the home up."

Once a person qualifies for an energy audit, it can take one to 12 months to receive a service call.

If the qualified person is a renter, he or she must get permission from the landlord to have an audit and accept any repairs or improvements, according to program information.

ljones@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3652

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Common heat-related issues

• Cramps in the leg muscles or abdomen from heavy exertion.
• Heat exhaustion, which includes heavy sweating; cool skin that is pale and clammy; fast pulse and breathing; fainting; dizziness; vomiting; and nausea.
• Heat stroke, which can occur when the temperature is 103 or higher. Symptoms include sweating; a shallow, rapid pulse; fast and shallow breathing; dry skin; nausea; dizziness; headache; and confusion.

Source: National Weather Service