Indianapolis Extreme Temperature Task Force cautions against complacency as temperatures remain high
Created on Tuesday, 17 July 2012 15:10
Contact: Collette DuValle, 317-373-2391
Indianapolis – According to the National Weather Service, temperatures in Indianapolis will remain in the 90s for the next couple of days. Although temperatures may drop to the mid-80s, the Department of Public Safety Division of Homeland Security is advising Indianapolis residents not to be fooled into complacency by how much cooler it feels. These temperatures continue to be dangerously high, especially for our most vulnerable populations.
We continue to encourage Indianapolis residents to visit places such as shopping centers, public libraries, and Indy Park pools.
“We want to remind residents that there are options to stay cool. Just visiting one of our cooling centers for a couple of hours will help your body cool off dramatically. Please contact 2-1-1 to locate the nearest cooling facility,” stated Homeland Security Chief Gary Coons.
We are asking Indianapolis residents to check in on our must vulnerable populations not only during the morning when it is cooler, but also throughout the day. Please check on any older or frail neighbors, particularly those with disabilities, poor health, or those who may be isolated from friends and family. Also, please keep an eye on children. Children play outside more than adults which may increase their risk of heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Also, children can lose fluid quickly thus making them more likely to become dehydrated than adults.
Signs that children are dehydrated are:
- Decreased physical activity
- Lack of tears when crying
- Dry mouth
- Irritability and fussiness
If your child has become dehydrated:
- Have the child or infant drink fluid replacement products.
- Allow for dehydration to take a few hours, and keep the child in a cool, shaded area sipping fluids periodically.
- Call your doctor if symptoms do not improve or if symptoms worsen
- In any emergency call 9-1-1
“We have seen reports of infants dying when left in unattended vehicles during these dangerous heat events. We cannot emphasize enough how important it is for Indianapolis residents to be vigilant in their communities,” said Homeland Security Chief Gary Coons. Never leave children or your pets alone in a hot car. Do not forget about your pets. The heat affects your pets just as humans are affected. The Division of Homeland Security would also like to share the following tips for staying cool at home:
- Take cool baths or showers; use cool towels.
- Eat regularly and prepare light meals such as vegetable salads, tuna and meat salads, fresh fruit mixtures, whole grain products and cheeses. Avoid using ovens and avoid
- using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
- Close your curtains and windows in the morning to keep the sun and heat out of your home. Open windows and doors at night to cool inside temperatures.
As a final reminder, please do not open the fire hydrants. It has a dramatic and direct impact on water pressure. The Indianapolis Fire Department needs that pressure to fight fires. According to the National Weather Service, portions of central and southern Indiana resemble the Dust Bowl Days of the 1930s. With these severe drought conditions, water conservation is important for the firefighting aspect, but also so that we do not deplete the water generally.
We will continue to work with the National Weather Service to continue updates; especially as some major events including Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration will occur in the next few weeks. We will also continue to coordinate with our Extreme Heat Plan Task Force that includes the Marion County Public Health Department, various service agencies throughout the city, IPL, Citizens Energy, IFD, IMPD, and Indy Parks.
