Residents urged to take precautions.
Frederick, Md (KM) “Dangerously hot conditions’ are forecast for the region, according to the National Weather Service, which has placed the area under an Extreme Heat Warning with temperatures expected to reach close to 100 degrees.
“We prepare for these. We have lots of different plans. We communicate with our National Weather Service, our local partners like the Health Department and some of our other social services agencies within the county and within the municipalities,” says Anthony Rosano, the Director of the Frederick County Department of Emergency Management.
He also has this message for residents. “We definitely want to limit outside physical activity, If you have to, take frequent breaks; drink plenty of water; wear loose, light fitted clothing; wear sunscreen,”; says Rosano.
While it’s best to stay inside where it’s air conditioned, Rosano says take extra precautions if you have to work outside. “Staying very hydrated; staying in the shade as much as absolutely possible; wearing clothes that cover the skin so that there’s no sunburn. Taking breaks much more periodically than normally particularly during this hot weather. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion will come on much faster with this high extreme warning,” he says.
The Department also says beware of any signs that the excessive heat is making you or someone else sick. “Body temperature of over 103 degrees; hot, red or damp skin; very fast or strong pulse; headache, dizziness or nausea,”: says Rosano.
If this happens to you or anyone else, you need to take action immediately. “What you should do is you should call 911 right way. Try to move that person to a cooler place; and help cool them down with cool cloths, or a cool bath,”: says Rosano. “It’s important not to give that person anything to drink because that could actually make that worse.”
Rosano also says check in on your elderly neighbors and relatives, as well as small children to make sure they’re being safe in this extreme heat.
By Kevin McManus