With temperatures rising into the high 80s and low 90s through the rest of the week Kanawha County officials are reminding residents to stay cool and avoid a trip to the hospital.
Officials spoke Tuesday afternoon at the Kanawha County Ambulance Authority in Charleston to make the public aware of the dangers of extreme heat.
Temperatures so far this month have been in the high 80s and low 90s, a change from last month when temperatures fluctuated between the 60s and low 90s, according to data from the National Weather Service.
Residents could face bouts of heat exhaustion or suffer heat stroke, which can result in hospitalization.
“It can sneak up on you,” Lt. Alisha Samples, a paramedic with the Charleston fire Department, said of heat illnesses. “Small children and elderly people are more susceptible because they have a harder time regulating their body temperatures.”
Last Wednesday, more than 100 school children received onsite treatment for heat-related issues at Appalachian Power Park. two students and a teacher were taken to a hospital because of heat related illnesses on the 90-degree day.
Paramedics set up two stations to treat game goers and used wet washcloths and misters to cool them down.
Dr. Rahul Gupta, executive director of the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department, said heat strokes are the most life-threatening of heat-related illnesses.
Early symptoms of heat illness are profuse sweating, fatigue, thirst and muscle cramps. Symptoms continuing into heat exhaustion include headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea and vomiting, cool moist skin and dark urine.
Symptoms of a heat stroke, a much more serious condition, include fever, irrational behavior, dry hot red skin, rapid shallow breathing, weak pulse, seizures and unconsciousness.
To Gupta’s knowledge, no heat related fatalities have been reported this year.
“One of the main causes of these heat-related issues is the loss of fluids,” Gupta said. “We lose fluids through sweating, and we tend to get dehydrated faster.”
Children and residents over 65 years old, as well as those with certain medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity, are most at risk. Gupta said summertime is a good time to catch up with neighbors and to keep an eye on each other in case of heat-related emergencies.
“It can all be avoided by people being aware and taking proper precautions,” Gupta said.
He said people can stay safe by watching their fluid intake, staying away from extreme heat, wearing sunscreen and wearing light-colored clothing along with hats and sunglasses.
Sports drinks and water are advised for those spending time outside because they help replace electrolytes lost through sweating. Alcohol and caffeinated beverages like soft drinks and coffee are not advised.
Anita Ray, director of environmental health for the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department, said residents should remember to wear protective clothing and to bring shelter, like an umbrella, when going to outdoor events. she also warned of the potential dangers of eating food that has been improperly stored during warm weather.
Residents who live in multiple level homes should keep to the bottom levels if their home does not have air conditioning, said Dale Petry, director of Kanawha County’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
He said those who live in mobile homes without air conditioning might want to consider sitting in a shady area outside or going to a public place with AC.
Petry also advised against leaving children or animals unattended in vehicles during hot weather. He said pet owners should take precautions to keep their pets happy and healthy. .
Outdoor pets should be brought inside and supplied with plenty of water, he said.
BOB WOJCEISZAK/DAILY MAIL PHOTO
Kanawha County emergency and health officials, from left, Kimberly Shanklin of Kanawha County Ambulance Authority, Lt. Alisha Samples of Charleston fire Department, Metro 911 dispatcher Mike Fannin, county director of environmental health Anita Ray, Kanawha-Charleston Health Department Executive Director Dr. Rahul Gupta and Dale Petry, director of county Homeland Security and Emergency Management talked about ways to stay cool and avoid heat-related issues on warmer days.
Contact writer Ashley B. Craig at or 304-348-4850.