Officials Urge Caution During Excessive Heat Warning
Published on August 18, 2023
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for Lincoln from 1 p.m. Saturday, August 19 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, August 23. Heat index values up to 111 degrees are expected. Temperatures are predicted to be near or higher than 100 degrees each day. An excessive heat warning means that a prolonged period of dangerously hot temperatures (heat index of 105 degrees or above) will create life-threatening conditions.
At this time, city libraries, recreation and community centers will remain on their standard schedules. Those without air conditioning can cool off during regular hours at recreation centers, libraries, and senior centers as well as other public locations such as theaters and shopping malls. Visit parks.lincoln.ne.gov for information on recreation and community centers. For library hours, visit lincolnlibraries.org.
The Trago Park Sprayground, N. 22nd and “U” streets, is open from 4 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Aging Partners has a limited number of fans for distribution on a first-come-first-served basis to adults age 60 and older. The fans are available by calling 402-441-8815, and no financial screening is required. The program accepts fan donations at the Aging Partners office, 600 S. 70th St.
The heat and high humidity create a dangerous situation that can cause heat illnesses. The heat index is a more accurate measure of how hot it really feels when the humidity is added to the actual air temperature. For more information on local weather, the heat index and safety precautions, visit weather.gov.
Health officials say children are more at risk from high temperatures because their bodies are less able to adapt to heat. They produce more heat with activity, sweat less and are less likely to rest or get a drink when they are active. Others at risk include older adults, those with chronic diseases, those who are overweight and those using certain medications or alcohol.
Both air temperature and humidity affect the body’s ability to cool itself during hot weather. Heat stress occurs when sweating isn’t enough to cool the body, causing a person’s body temperature to rise rapidly. Heat stress symptoms include clammy, sweaty skin; light-headedness; weakness; and nausea. Heat-related illnesses include sunburn, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and the most severe form requires immediate medical attention. More health information can be found at the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov/extremeheat.
Hot weather precautions include the following:
- Drink plenty of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated fluids, especially during physical activity.
- Avoid heavy meals and hot foods, which add heat to your body.
- Monitor infants and children for fluid intake, and dress them in cool, loose-fitting clothing.
- Check on relatives, neighbors and friends who may be at risk.
- Never leave children or pets in parked cars. Even with the windows open, temperatures can reach dangerous levels in only a few minutes. Look before locking the vehicle.
- Make sure pets and livestock that live outdoors have plenty of fresh, cool water and shade. Pets should be brought indoors if possible.
Those who do need to be outside are advised to wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF of 30 or more) and a hat. Plan activities to avoid being outside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Rest frequently in shaded areas and stay hydrated. Stop activity and move to a cool area if you become lightheaded, confused, weak or faint. Extreme heat can be a concern to healthy people as well, including children participating in outdoor activities such as summer camps and athletic events and practices.
If you see a pet outside without shade or water for an extended period of time, or in a hot car, call Animal Control at 402-441-7900. More information on protecting pets–including the brochure and video “Too Hot for Spot”– is available at lincoln.ne.gov/animalcontrol.