Extreme heat

Thursday, Aug. 29

Phase One of the Heat Plan is in effect through the evening of Friday, Aug. 30. As part of Phase One, the following actions will occur:

• Lextran will provide rides to cooling stations for those experiencing homelessness free of charge. 
• Outreach teams will distribute water throughout the community.
• Lexington’s community centers, including Dunbar, Kenwick, Castlewood and Tates Creek, will be open into the early evening and serve as cooling stations. 

The heat index is forecasted to reach highs between 96° and 103°. Emergency Management will monitor the heat index and expand options and resources as necessary. The heat index combines temperature and humidity to approximate how hot it “feels” outside.

To prevent heat-related injuries or illness, do the following

• Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
• Don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar – these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks because they can cause stomach cramps.
• Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
   

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Signs of heat-related illnesses include:

• an extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
• red, hot and dry skin (no sweating)
• rapid, strong pulse
• throbbing headache
• dizziness; nausea; confusion
• muscle cramps
• tiredness and unconsciousness
   

If someone starts to experience these symptoms, seek medical help immediately and move them to a shady spot, if outdoors, and begin cooling them using whatever methods are available. Monitor body temperature, and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102°F.

Just as you take precautions to protect yourself and your family, you should also remember to take precautions to protect your pet from the same summer heat. Remember this simple rule when your pet is outside: If it seems hot to you, it is much hotter for your pet.

• Watch out for heatstroke. Symptoms include panting, lethargy, drooling, fever, vomiting and collapse. If you think your dog may have a heat stroke, get them to the vet ASAP. 
• Never leave your pet in a hot car, even with the windows down. And leaving the air conditioning on is no guarantee your dog will be safe. Pets react to extreme heat, and they are prone to heat exhaustion. So, just as you wouldn't leave a child in a hot vehicle, you should also never leave your pet unattended in a hot vehicle, even for just 10 minutes
• Provide plenty of fresh water. You will need to refill your dog's water bowl more often than usual on very hot days. Add a few ice cubes to their water or offer them a cool treat. 
• Beware of hot surfaces. For dogs and cats specifically, their paws are extremely sensitive to the elements. Choose to walk your pets in the cooler times of the day, in the morning or evening. To test a hot surface, do the hand test. Place the back of your hand on the surface for 5 seconds, and if it is too hot to handle, it is too hot for your pet. 
• Take your walks in the morning or evening. The intense heat of midday can overwhelm your dog during a walk. 
• Never rely on a fan. The Humane Society says, “Pets respond differently to heat than humans do. Dogs, for instance, sweat primarily through their feet. Simple fans will not cool off pets as effectively as they do people.”
• Don't leave your dog alone outside for more than a few minutes. Even in the shade, a dog exposed to extreme heat and humidity is at risk for heatstroke. 

If you believe you have witnessed the mistreatment, neglect or abuse of an animal, please contact Lexington-Fayette Animal Care and Control at (859) 255-9033 ext. 221. Your contact information will be kept confidential.