Heat soars again in Sussex County

1700 Hours, Friday, July 23, 2010: Another blast of 100-degree heat is in the forecast for Sussex County this weekend, which is sure to send residents and visitors alike in search of relief from triple-digit temperatures that could cause everything from health problems to power interruptions.

To help those in need of heat relief, Sussex County Administrator David B. Baker reminds the public of three “cooling stations” that will be available during this weekend’s extreme weather. Temperatures on Saturday could top 100 degrees, with heat index values approaching 110 degrees.

The air-conditioned facilities available on Saturday, July 24, include:

South Coastal Library
43 Kent Ave.
Bethany Beach, DE
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday

Milton Library
121 Union Street
Milton, DE
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday

Greenwood Library
100 Mill Street
Greenwood, DE
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday

Sussex County paramedics will make routine stops at these locations, as time permits, to answer any heat-related questions and/or concerns. When coming to the relief stations, please bring any medications and/or specialty items that you need.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Sussex County through 8 p.m. Saturday. Forecasters are predicting daytime temperatures close to 100 degrees, accompanied by very humid conditions. Daytime temperatures on Sunday are forecast to be slightly less, in the upper 90s, before dropping to the upper 80s on Monday. A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms Sunday evening could provide some overnight relief.

Residents and visitors are urged to limit exposure outside, particularly during the hottest part of the day – roughly from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. Those who must be outside should take frequent breaks, and drink plenty of water.

Here are some hot weather safety tips:

  • Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing. Lighter clothing deflects sunlight, and will not absorb heat like dark materials do;
  • Stay in properly ventilated areas;
  • Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day;
  • Have plenty of water available. Avoid alcoholic beverages;
  • Be aware of the signs of heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke, and seek medical attention if necessary. Signs of heat cramps can include muscular pains and spasms from heavy exertion. Resting in a cooler area, taking occasional sips of water and stretching the muscle mildly can counter the effects of heat cramps. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are much more serious, and may require immediate medical attention. Symptoms of heat exhaustion can include a pale or flushed appearance, as well as headache and nausea. Heat stroke symptoms include rapidly increased body temperature, loss of consciousness, rapid or weak pulse and rapid, shallow breathing.

Be sure to check on friends, relatives and neighbors, particularly the elderly and young children, who may be at risk for exposure to the heat. Remember to give pets extra water, provide shade or bring them into a residence where temperatures are cooler.

It’s also important to keep in mind that due to the higher temperatures and humidity expected in the area over the next couple of days, demand for electricity will increase. In an effort to reduce costs and avoid power shortages, Mr. Baker, along with the Sussex County Emergency Operations Center, asks all residents and business operators in Sussex County to help conserve power to avoid outages.

You can help in the conservation of electricity by taking the following steps:

  • Set air conditioners to 80 degrees, or use fans instead, and minimize the opening of refrigerators and freezers;
  • Limit the use of electric water heaters and turn off non-essential appliances and lights;
  • Delay using high-energy appliances, such as washing machines and dryers, until after 8 p.m.;
  • Prepare light summer meals that require minimal, if any, cooking. Try using an outdoor grill or microwave oven instead of an electric range;
  • Keep window shades, blinds, or drapes closed to block the sunlight during the hottest portion of the day;
  • Move lamps, TVs and other heat sources away from air conditioner thermostats. Heat from those appliances is sensed by the thermostat and could cause an air conditioner to run longer than necessary;
  • Move furniture and other obstacles from in front of central air conditioning ducts to allow cooler air to circulate through rooms more freely.

Businesses can conserve electricity by:

  • Raising thermostats;
  • Turning off unnecessary lighting and equipment.

The Sussex County Emergency Operations Center will continue to monitor the weather situation and issue updates as needed. For more information, please call (302) 855-7801.

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