Heat safety

Breaking records is more fun when the statistics involve sports rather than a heat wave. But a heat wave is what has been lingering over Southeast Missouri for nearly a month. The record for the longest string of days with temperatures 90 degrees or about -- 28 days set in 1983 -- was matched Wednesday. However, these records have only been kept since 1960. Thursday was a scorcher near 100 degrees, and the forecast for today and into next week is for more of the same.

There are good reasons to be concerned about the heat. Twelve deaths in Missouri, including a Cape Girardeau woman who died last week, have been attributed to the high temperatures. Of concern are individuals, especially the elderly, who live alone. The Cape Girardeau Police Department has received more than 500 requests to check on family members, neighbors and friends since July 26, when the current hot spell began.

The hot, dry conditions also make the area prone to fires. Areas of Southern Illinois and western Kentucky are under special warnings regarding the potential for fires, and several communities, including Cape Girardeau, have issued no-burn orders.

Every precaution needs to be taken during hot weather for both our personal well-being and for the safety of our surroundings.