Heat Preparedness
Created on Wednesday, 27 June 2012 15:21
Contact: Collette DuValle, 317-373-2391
Indianapolis – The Division of Homeland Security is encouraging people to take precautions against the heat by staying properly hydrated, limiting extraneous activity or exercise, staying inside air conditioning as much as possible, and utilizing your local resources such as libraries, shopping centers, and community centers. If possible, stay with family or friends who have an air conditioned home.
“It is extremely important that everyone stays cool and comfortable especially our most vulnerable populations such as small children, the elderly, and people with limited mobility,” said Homeland Security Chief Gary Coons.
The Division of Homeland Security will be constantly monitoring the situation with our partners at the Marion County Public Health Department (MCPHD), Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services (IEMS), National Weather Service (NWS), and various other service agencies. The city is not activating the emergency “extreme heat plan” at this time to extend the cooling center hours. Due to low relative humidity levels, we do not meet the heat index advisory threshold of 105 F. The NWS will be issuing a Heat Advisory Thursday as a precaution.
Heat stroke is perhaps the most dangerous illness that can result from excessive exposure to high temperatures. This occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature causing the sweating mechanism to fail and preventing the body from being able to cool down. Symptoms can include a throbbing headache, nausea, dizziness and confusion, and can ultimately result in unconsciousness or death. Temperatures are likely to increase at a significant rate once heat stroke begins.
Employers should take precautions needed to protect outdoor workers: Have a work site plan to prevent heat-related illnesses and make sure that medical services are available to respond to an emergency should one occur. We are encouraging employers to allow outdoor workers to take frequent breaks to cool off. We are also encouraging the use of a buddy system when working in intense heat.
In addition, the following are some safety tips in case of power outages.
- First, prepare for outages before they happen by having a flashlight, a portable radio and extra batteries on hand.
- Carefully check the circuit breakers or fuses in your home. If this step fails to restore power, check to see if your neighbors have electricity.
- To report the outage, use IPL’s online reporting system or call IPL’s Emergency “Lights Out Day or Night” number at 317.261.8111. During a widespread power outage, please continue to call until you reach the voice response system and answer the questions fully. Be sure to inform IPL if you have electrically powered medical equipment and have a back-up plan in place in the event of an extended power outage.
Attached is a list of aquatic centers, spray parks, and park facilities available throughout the city that offer options for residents to stay cool and avoid heat.
Follow DHS online at Twitter and Facebook . Follow DPS online at Twitter and Facebook . The social media links provided are for reference only. DHS and DPS do not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.
For additional information visit our website at www.indy.gov/dhs .
