JEFFERSON CITY – Although summer doesn’t officially begin until June 21, many Missourians already experienced 90-degree temperatures during a historic early-season heat wave in mid-March. It is important for everyone to be aware of the dangers posed by extreme heat and humidity and take precautions as they spend more time outdoors in the coming months.
To help prepare, the state will observe Summer Safety Day on Friday, June 5. The Missouri State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and the National Weather Service (NWS) encourage everyone to pay attention to local forecasts and plan accordingly when working or participating in activities outside. Humidity can amplify the feeling of heat measured by a heat index, so it is especially important to keep a close eye on friends and family and know the signs of heat-related illnesses.
Lightning fatalities also peak during the summer months when leisure activities are typically outside, so it is important to adjust plans when thunderstorms are forecasted and know where it is safest to take shelter if necessary.
“It’s always important to keep heat, humidity, and severe weather top of mind during the summer,” SEMA Director Jim Remillard said. “This year, we will welcome thousands of visitors to Kansas City and Missouri for the World Cup, which will generate additional time spent outdoors – sometimes several hours – for events, waiting in lines, and in large crowds. Especially for more vulnerable groups like children, the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions, we must remember that these seasonal hazards stress the body, sometimes very quickly. Please pay attention to the forecast, including the heat index, dress accordingly, and drink plenty of water – even ahead of the days you plan to participate in outdoor activities.”
According to data from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), last year there were 35 deaths in Missouri with heat-related causes. One death was occupational, while five deaths were in hot vehicles. Twenty-one of the people who died also had documented heart disease. A heat stroke is a severe medical emergency and occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature with symptoms being hot/dry skin, confusion, and/or loss of consciousness.
Never leave a child or pet alone in a vehicle. Even on a cooler day or with the windows down, the temperature inside a vehicle can rise by 20 degrees in 10 minutes and pose a serious threat to anyone left inside. Stress, distraction and being out of a normal routine can all contribute to forgetting a child in a car seat. Always “look before you lock” and check the back seat each time you exit your vehicle. If you see someone in a hot car or experiencing a heat stroke, call 911 immediately.
Remember these other safety tips to protect yourself and your family during the summer heat:
- Start acclimating to the heat gradually at the beginning of the season.
- During heat and humidity, limit outdoor exposure and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day – typically 3-5 p.m.
- Drink plenty of water (even if you are not thirsty), and limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
- Eat light, well-balanced meals at regular intervals.
- Understand that your medications or health conditions, such as heart disease, may significantly impair your body’s response to heat.
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and head. Use at least SPF 30 sunscreen and reapply often.
- If you do not have air conditioning, consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls or other community facilities. Find a nearby cooling center at health.mo.gov/coolingcenters.
- Check on family, friends and neighbors who may not have air conditioning or spend much of their time alone.
- Make sure outdoor pets have plenty of fresh water and access to shade.
