Sedalia has seen extreme heat the last few days, sending heat indexes into the danger zone — an intense high-humidity heat causing eyeglasses to fog over while outside and window panes and people alike to sweat buckets.
Erin Matheny, the deputy director for the Sedalia-Pettis County Emergency Management Agency, is cautioning residents on heat safety during the heat wave. With heat indexes up to 112 degrees, it is necessary to take precautions while outdoors.
Matheny said signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, thirst, heavy sweating, nausea, and weakness. She added when one becomes heat exhausted, they need to “move fast.” One should move to a cooler area, loosen clothing, sip cool water, and seek medical help if the symptoms don’t improve.
On the other hand, heat stroke is more serious. Matheny noted heat stroke includes confusion, dizziness, and sometimes unconsciousness — this is a 911 emergency. One should move the person to a cooler area, their clothes loosened and layers removed, and they should be cooled down with water or ice. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not administered.
“Please make sure you, your family, coworkers, etc., are staying hydrated throughout the day and are taking breaks from the heat if you are outside during the high temperatures,” Matheny noted.
The National Weather Service reported that heat indexes for Sedalia on Thursday, Aug. 24 would be 105 to 110 degrees. The NWS noted during the heat wave, people should drink plenty of water, stay out of the sun if possible, and check on relatives and neighbors.
Earlier this week, heat indexes reached 110 to 120 degrees on Tuesday, Aug. 22 and 110 to 115 degrees on Wednesday, Aug. 23.
Thursday will see temperatures around 101 degrees, with an excessive heat warning still in effect until 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25. Friday’s temperatures will decrease only slightly, with temps around 99 to 96 degrees, but the heat index will remain high at 95 to 110 degrees. Saturday, Aug. 26 will see more seasonal temperatures of 85 degrees and a heat index of 90 to 95 degrees.
Matheny noted heat safety includes staying hydrated on job sites and taking breaks in the shade. She also stated never leave children and pets unattended in a vehicle: “Look before you Lock.”
For more information on heat safety and tips, visit www.weather.gov/safety/heat.
Faith Bemiss can be reached at 660-530-0289 or on Twitter @flbemiss.
