Released 30 June 2012
Pittsylvania County Declares Emergency in the wake of heavy storms through the area yesterday. Dangerous heat levels today contribute to safety concerns for thousands who are still without power. To help bring relief from the heat cooling centers are being opened throughout the area.
The Salvation Army Community Center has opened its doors this weekend from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm each day to anyone that needs to cool down or hydrate. A few tables are setup with table games and a movies are playing.
Be safe!
To prepare for extreme heat, you should: Before Extreme Heat
- Install window air conditioners snugly; insulate if necessary.
- Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
- Install temporary window refl ectors (for use between windows and drapes),
such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to refl ect heat back outside.
- Weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in.
- Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades,
awnings, or louvers. (Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that
enters a home by up to 80 percent.)
• Keep storm windows up all year.
Know the Terms
Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify an extreme heat
hazard:
Heat Wave
Prolonged period of excessive heat, often combined with excessive humidity.
Heat Index
A number in degrees Fahrenheit (F) that tells how hot it feels when relative
humidity is added to the air temperature. Exposure to full sunshine
can increase the heat index by 15 degrees.
Heat Cramps
Muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. Although heat cramps
are the least severe, they are often the fi rst signal that the body is having
trouble with the heat.
Heat Exhaustion
Typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid
place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. Blood flow to
the skin increases, causing blood flow to decrease to the vital organs. This
results in a form of mild shock. If not treated, the victim's condition will
worsen. Body temperature will keep rising and the victim may suffer
heat stroke.
Heat Stroke
A life-threatening condition. The victim's temperature control system,
which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature
can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the
body is not cooled quickly.
Sun Stroke
Another term for heat stroke.