Keeping your cool: Experts advise making a plan for safety when temperatures soar

ALBANY – The southwest Georgia region is getting a taste of temperatures topping 90 degrees this week, and like death and taxes, it’s a certainty that the mercury will continue to rise, accompanied by a spike in humidity, in the weeks to come.

That combination of heat and humidity can be a deadly mix and can be especially dangerous to the elderly and individuals who don’t take precautions when out in the heat.

This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has expanded the availability of a new heat-alert tool ahead of the summer in collaboration with the National Weather Service and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and prevention. The color-coded chart has five levels, from green, when there is little to no risk, to a rare and long-range heat event that is represented by magenta.

The alert system takes into account how unusual the heat is for the time of year, the duration of the heat — including daytime and nighttime temperatures — and whether the temperatures pose an elevated risk based on CDC data. It is available at https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/heatrisk/.

In 2023 there was at least one confirmed heat-related death in the county, Dougherty County Coroner Michael Fowler said, and a second death that possibly was due to heat illness.

While temperatures have not yet reached the inevitable miserable days that July and August will bring, heat can be a danger even in the spring, Dougherty County Emergency Medical Services Director Sam Allen said. People have not yet gotten acclimated to being out in warmer temperatures and may not think there is a risk.

Heat-related illness can strike quickly, and if someone affected does not take action by getting quickly into the shade or a cool building, it can advance to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, he said.

“Last year we had quite a few,” Allen said. “We had quite a few heat-related illnesses and two or three heat strokes. It’s dangerous.”

Symptoms of heat-related illness include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, thirst, heavy sweating and elevated body temperature.

“When people are out in the yard working or doing activities, they may feel light-headed, they get dizzy, they start profusely sweating, that’s an indicator you need to get into the shade (or) air-conditioning,” Allen said. “When you stop sweating, you’re getting into heat stroke, and that’s the critical stage of heat-related illness.”

The elderly and children who play outside without taking breaks for extended periods can be among the most vulnerable, he said. In addition to the heat, southwest Georgia has two sources of moisture, from the Gulf of Mexico and the East Coast, that winds carry into the region and contribute to elevated humidity.

“We stay in a high-humidity mode,” Allen said. “The humidity, that is the biggest factor people need to watch. The higher the humidity, the more of a strain it puts on your system.”

The EMS director recommended that individuals drink plenty of fluids, either water or sports drinks. While a cold beer may be satisfying after a session out in the garden in mid-August, it is not so good in terms of hydrating the body.

Allen also recommended that the elderly, especially, let someone know when they will be outside in the heat so that person can check on them.

“If you get in trouble, call someone,” he said. “Be careful out there and call 911 if you don’t feel right. We’ll get an ambulance and help on the way. It (hot weather) is right around the corner, so be prepared.”

When temperatures do spike, it’s best to plan outside activities for early or late in the day and be sure to stay hydrated, said Dr. James Black, director of emergency medicine at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. The key to keeping fluids ahead of dropping to empty is to drink them before feeling thirsty.

Black also recommended wearing a hat that provides shade and loose-fitting clothing and taking frequent breaks in the shade.

“The biggest thing is the awareness that it can happen,” he said. “Even in weather like this (80s), it can happen. The awareness is good in making sure you plan your activities during the day.”

The summer of 2023 broke worldwide records, and after another record-breaking month in April 2024, there is a chance that this year could be even hotter.

“Last year in particular we saw a lot more people” with heat-related issues, Black said. “I think we underappreciate the speed at which it can occur. Knowing this can save a lot of lives and prevent a lot of suffering.”