As time moves forward into the summer days, the temperatures are also climbing and bringing heat advisories for the area. A heat advisory was issued early Monday morning, and the extended forecast predicts multiple days with temperatures in the mid to high 90s.
The National Weather Service in Paducah, Kentucky, said an extended period of heat and humidity is expected throughout the week, and caution is urged for everyone in the area.
Area residents without air conditioning can find relief in the lobby of the Butler County Health Department, located at 1619 N. Main St., said Emily Goodin, the organization’s administrator. The lobby is open during normal business hours of operation, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Poplar Bluff Public Library also serves as a public cooling center during the normal hours of operation, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday; and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
“There are lots of things people can do to avoid heat sickness or injury,” Goodin explained. “Obviously one of the top things to do is to stay hydrated by drinking enough water.”
Goodin said the rule she follows to determine water intake is half a person’s body weight in ounces. For example: a person weighing 100 lbs. would need to drink 50 fluid ounces of water.
Goodin went on to explain that certain illnesses and/or medications can cause adverse reactions to heat.
“It could be different from person to person,” Goodin advised. “Some people can feel nausea in reaction to the heat, some people might feel dizzy, depending on what they are dealing with at the time.”
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services advises staying in cooled locations whenever possible to avoid exposure to the sun; and staying in the coolest room of a house if there is no air conditioning available.
The Missouri Department of Public Safety recommends that residents without air conditioning should stay on the lowest floor and consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings. Open all windows early in the morning and keep the house closed during the hottest part of the day. Check to make sure that the inside temperature is cooler than outside, use floor and ceiling fans as much as possible and limit the use of appliances and equipment that give off heat.
Robbie Myers, director of the Butler County Emergency Management Agency, advised that it is important to look out for others who might be more susceptible to the heat.
“Be sure to check your neighbors,” Myers remarked. “Especially, look out for the elderly. This heat is very dangerous, and I encourage everyone to take precautions.”
Drinking plenty of water, eating light, well-balanced meals at regular intervals and dressing in loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothes can also reduce the risk of heat-related illness.