HOW TO STAY SAFE IN HOT WEATHER
During extremely hot weather, take the following precautions:
- Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun
- Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings that are air conditioned
- Drink plenty of water
- Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes
- Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning
- Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles
- Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day
- Know the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and seek medical attention if your conditions are severe
SOURCE: Federal Emergency Management Agency
This has been a hotter summer than 2015, and the trend will continue at least through the weekend.
The average temperature in June and July this year has been 74.5 degrees, more than 1 degree higher than last year, said Alec Butner, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Wilmington.
Temperatures are expected to remain in the mid-90s today through Sunday, said Storm Center 7 Meteorologist McCall Vrydaghs. She said the heat index the next four days could reach into the 100s.
The heat index calculates how the air temperature “feels to the skin,” Butner said.
An Air Quality Advisory has been extended through today for Butler and Warren counties. The advisory is in place when ozone concentrations are expected in the “unhealthy for sensitive groups” range, according to the Southwest Ohio Air Quality Agency.
Residents are urged to take the following actions during an Air Quality Advisory:
- Take the bus, carpool, bike, or walk instead of drive
- Refuel your vehicle after 8 p.m.; do not top off when refueling and tighten the gas cap
- Do not idle your vehicle; exhaust contributes considerably to ozone formation
- Combine trips or eliminating unnecessary vehicle trips
- Keep your vehicle maintained with properly inflated tires and timely oil changes
- Avoid use of gasoline-powered lawn equipment
- Avoid use of oil-based paints and stains
- Never burn leaves or other yard trimmings
- Suspend use of fire pits, campfires and charcoal grills
- Conserve electricity by turning out lights and unplugging unused appliances and electronics
The warmer summer has also created a demand for air conditioners from Supports to Encourage Low-income Families (SELF), said Rebecca Palen, community relations director.
So far, 79 homes have been approved for assistance and the agency has given out 28 air conditions, compared to 11 at this time last year, Palen said.
The Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program provides eligible Ohioans assistance paying an electric bill or assistance paying for central air conditioning repairs. The program runs until Aug. 31.
David Goodman, director of the Ohio Development Services Agency, said SELF and other agencies want to “reduce the risk” of heat-related illnesses during July and August.
In 2015, 424 families in Butler County were assisted through the Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program.
For more information about the Summer Crisis Program, contact SELF at 513-868-9300.
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