With almost 100 degree temperatures predicted this weekend, the St. Joseph Health Department offers safety reminders for area residents.

Connie Werner with the City of St. Joseph Health Department said hot summers happen every year in Missouri but now is a good opportunity to remind everyone of how to stay safe.

“During this time period, the temperatures can get to the point that can cause damage to the body,” Werner said. “So what we want to avoid are extreme heat reactions – that would be reaching heat exhaustion and then heat stroke. Heat exhaustion is that in which your body is becoming stressed under the heat conditions – that would be the extreme perspiration, the red face – That is your body telling you that you’re heading into a medical emergency. The first thing that you need to do is to get yourself cooled off – that could lead into a heat stroke and that is a medical emergency.”

Werner said some tips to remember during this upcoming hot season include:

 

• Stay hydrated – your body needs more water than usual
• Try to stay as cool as possible – try to stay in air conditioned areas
• Avoid direct sunlight, wear light colored and lightweight clothing, have something over your head
• Remember to check on individuals at high risk of getting overheated including elderly individuals, anyone without AC, those with chronic medical conditions, anyone working outside, children and pets

Also, in a press release, the Brown County Sheriff’s Department reminds motorists to never leave children alone in a hot vehicle. Ten minutes is the amount of time it takes for a car to reach deadly temperatures. For more information click here.