Temperatures expected to cool off next week

By victor inge

The selma times-journal

The soaring temperatures are expected to let up over the weekend, but in the mean time health officials want you to recognize your limitations and stay cool as the heat reaches &8220;dangerous levels.&8221;

Friday’s high is expected to be 102, and with the heat index it will feel like its 110 degrees.

The National Weather Service has reported the 100-plus degree temps will be here through Saturday, and next week we’ll experience a cool spell &045; high temps around 94. Selma and Dallas County are under a heat advisory.

Dallas County Health Department officials warn citizens of the hazards of

temperatures that hover over 100 degrees and ask persons to be mindful of the elderly who may be in homes not well ventilated or without air conditioning.

Ashvin Parikh, heath department administrator, encourages avoiding getting heated and reminds everyone to &8220;drink plenty of water.&8221;

When the external temperature gets up around the century mark, the body temp can go up to 105 in 10 to 15 minutes.

That could cause a heat stroke. It can even cause death or permanently disable a child or adult.

HEAT STROKE

Warning symptoms of heat strokes vary, according to Dr. Jack Hataway, director of Chronic Disease Prevention division of the Alabama Department of Public Health.

Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the person’s body temp drops to 101 or 102 degrees. Hataway also suggests calling a hospital emergency room should medical response personnel be delayed.

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids.

The elderly are most prone to heat exhaustion and persons with high blood pressure and those working outside or exercising.

Symptoms are heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache and nausea.

Heat cramps are muscle pains or spasms, usually in the abdomen, arms or legs, that may occur in association with strenuous activity, Hataway said. People who sweat a lot during strenuous activity are prone to heat cramps.

WORKING OUTSIDE

Persons working outside are asked to avoid working &8220;in the heat of the day,&8221; which is usually after the lunch hour, to around 4 p.m. when temps begin to decline.

Henry Hicks, City of Selma director of public works, said they are encouraging &8220;frequent breaks&8221; for the more than 30 city workers who work outside. This time of year, Hicks said they have to deal with the heat.

The city workers are trying to keep up with the miles of grass to be cut and debris to clear. Hicks said they’re professionals.

FAST FACTS

The symptoms of heat stroke

& Red, hot and dry skin

& Rapid, strong pulse

& Throbbing headache

& Dizziness

& Nausea

& Confusion

& Unconsciousness