News Release: Excessive Heat in the Area,

EXCESSIVE HEAT IN THE AREA

(Salisbury, MD) A heat wave is expected to grip our region over the next few days. Temperatures will be in the upper 90 degrees with the heat index reaching over 100 degrees for a few hours each day. Residents are encouraged to check on people in vulnerable populations such as infants, young children, young athletes, obese persons, those older than 65 years of age, and persons with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a mental illness, who are at increased risk for a heat related illness. A heat-related illness can very quickly become life-threatening.

The Wicomico County Health Department urges everyone to practice these stay cool safety tips:

• Seek air-conditioned environments such as malls, libraries, and other public places. Stay indoors.
• Schedule outdoor activities before 10:00 am and after 6:00 pm.
• Take cool baths or showers.
• Minimize direct exposure to the sun; if you must be outdoors, seek shade.
• Stay hydrated – regularly drink water or other nonalcoholic fluids.
• Eat light, cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads.
• Limit using the stove or oven to keep the house cooler.
• Wear loose fitting, light-colored clothes.
• Bring pets indoors. If they must remain outside, make sure they have shade and plenty of clean, fresh water.

"At this time, we are working with Emergency Management to monitor the situation and assess whether or not cooling centers will need to be opened,” says Lori Brewster, Health Officer. For up to date information and stay cool tips, visit the Health Department’s website at www.wicomicohealth.org and follow @WicomicoHealth on Facebook and Twitter.