Alabama under first heat advisory of the season as officials urge residents to take precautions

SELMA, Ala. (WSFA) – Alabama is under its first heat advisory of the season as dangerously high temperatures and humidity combine to push heat index values into the triple digits.

The National Weather Service issued the advisory as conditions increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for older adults, young children, people with chronic medical conditions, and anyone who works or spends extended time outdoors.

Selma Fire Chief Walter Dailey says it doesn’t take long to feel the effects of the extreme heat.

“It’s hot,” Dailey said after spending just a few minutes outside. “I’m sweating. I can feel it running down my back.”

For firefighters, the dangers are even greater. Dailey says crews often respond to emergencies while wearing nearly 150 pounds of protective gear, causing them to lose significant amounts of fluids in a short period of time.

“In the first 30 minutes, we’re able to sweat out about four or five gallons of actual fluids from our bodies,” he said. “So hydration is extremely important for us.”

Even though the temperatures are soaring, emergency calls don’t stop. Dailey says firefighters continue responding to structure fires, grass fires and other emergencies while adjusting their daily routines when possible to limit unnecessary time outdoors during the hottest parts of the day.

He warns that heat exhaustion and heat stroke can develop much faster than many people realize.

“Heat exhaustion is serious business,” Dailey said. “It happens in a matter of minutes.”

Tips to stay safe during extreme heat

Dailey encourages residents to:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day instead of waiting until you feel thirsty.
• Replace fluids and electrolytes if you are working or exercising outdoors.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing.
• Take frequent breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned building.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, generally between late morning and early evening when possible.
• Check on older neighbors, relatives and anyone who may be especially vulnerable to the heat.
• Never leave children or pets unattended inside a parked vehicle, even for a short amount of time. Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly within minutes.

What if your home doesn’t have air conditioning?

For people living in homes without air conditioning, officials recommend spending as much time as possible in cooler public places such as libraries, community centers, shopping malls or other designated cooling locations during the hottest hours of the day.

Closing blinds or curtains to block direct sunlight, using fans to improve airflow, limiting the use of ovens and other heat-producing appliances, and drinking water frequently can also help reduce the risk of heat-related illness.

If someone begins experiencing heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, confusion, weakness or stops sweating despite the heat, move them to a cooler location immediately, provide water if they are alert, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or do not improve.

As temperatures remain dangerously high, Dailey says one of the biggest mistakes people make is waiting until they feel thirsty.

“At the point you’re already sweating, if you’re not drinking, you’re already behind on being hydrated,” he said.

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