(Le Mars) — It’s hot, and it looks like Mother Nature won’t be giving us a break until
Sunday. Heat this extreme can pose a danger because of how it affects the body, and
temperatures in homes and cars, that would otherwise not pose a problem.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are a serious concern for the next few days. Mary Jo
Clark, Nursing Manager of Emergency Services at Floyd Valley Hospital tells us what signs
to look for to prevent heat exhaustion.
Listen to
{audio} images/stories/mp3/August 2013/Heat 1.mp3{/audio}
Letting yourself succumb to heat exhaustion could lead to the more serious problem of heat
stroke.
Listen to
{audio} images/stories/mp3/August 2013/Heat .mp3{/audio}
If heat stroke symptoms are occurring, immediate medical attention should be sought.
To prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke, Clark says to do your best planning outside
activities at times that the sun isn’t bearing down on you.
Listen to
{audio} images/stories/mp3/August 2013/Heat 3.mp3{/audio}
Another thing to keep in mind during the next few hot days is that the interior of your
car can get very hot, very fast. Sioux Falls Meteorologist Todd Heitkamp did a study two
years ago regarding the temperatures inside a vehicle on a hot summer day. He found that
the color of your vehicle makes a big difference in how fast the temperature rises,
lighter colors rise more slowly. But, no matter the color, after a half an hour your car
interior can experience a 40 degree swing.
He says to keep in mind, especially when running errands, that a big shift in the
temperature happens in the first 5 minutes.
Listen to
{audio} images/stories/mp3/August 2013/Heat 4.mp3{/audio}
Seek shade, drink lots of water and don’t over do it. Stay cool, Le Mars!
