Take heat-related health risks seriously
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Web site, heat is the No. 1 weather-related killer. On average, more than 1,500 people in the U.S. die each year from excessive heat. This number is greater than the 30-year mean annual number of deaths due to tornadoes, hurricanes, floods and lightning combined.
In the 40-year period from 1936 through 1975, nearly 20,000 people were killed in the United States by the effects of heat and solar radiation.
While Tuesday offered a subtle and brief reprieve from sweltering heat and humidity, weather officials are warning residents that dangerously high heat indices are back in the area today and will remain here for a few days.
“We have a little dose of
‘air you can wear’ because it’s
so thick,” Mike Hodges, with Liberty-Hinesville Emergency Management Agency said. “[Monday] we had a heat advisory index of 105.”
He said the thick, hot air also may produce another dangerous side effect.
“Late in the afternoon there’s a very hot sea breeze and it starts developing into thunderstorms,” he explained. “They’re nice in that it kills the heat but they can be very dangerous storms with heavy lighting and wind. It can make for a bad day.”
While most Georgians have found ways to cope with the heat Pam Knox, assistant to the state climatologist, said there’re still a few things everyone should keep in mind.
“The most important things to remember are to drink enough to keep hydrated, keep out of
the sun and if possible go to air-conditioned areas like malls or movie theaters at least once a day for a break from the heat if you live in a house that does not have adequate air conditioning,” Knox said.
“Generally deaths attributed to high heat and humidity start after about the third day of exposure, so if you can make sure you are cooled off periodically that will help a lot. Check on your neighbors if you know they do not have air conditioning to make sure they are OK,” she said.
Officials said temperatures and humidity will remain high throughout the weekend.
“We have a little dose of
‘air you can wear’ because it’s
so thick,” Mike Hodges, with Liberty-Hinesville Emergency Management Agency said. “[Monday] we had a heat advisory index of 105.”
He said the thick, hot air also may produce another dangerous side effect.
“Late in the afternoon there’s a very hot sea breeze and it starts developing into thunderstorms,” he explained. “They’re nice in that it kills the heat but they can be very dangerous storms with heavy lighting and wind. It can make for a bad day.”
While most Georgians have found ways to cope with the heat Pam Knox, assistant to the state climatologist, said there’re still a few things everyone should keep in mind.
“The most important things to remember are to drink enough to keep hydrated, keep out of
the sun and if possible go to air-conditioned areas like malls or movie theaters at least once a day for a break from the heat if you live in a house that does not have adequate air conditioning,” Knox said.
“Generally deaths attributed to high heat and humidity start after about the third day of exposure, so if you can make sure you are cooled off periodically that will help a lot. Check on your neighbors if you know they do not have air conditioning to make sure they are OK,” she said.
Officials said temperatures and humidity will remain high throughout the weekend.