Excessive Heat Warning Issued for Weekend — RIEMA Director Pappas Joins LIVE
Excessive Heat Warning Issued for Weekend — RIEMA Director Pappas Joins LIVE
From making sure that children and pets are not left in cars — even with windows open, to checking in on elderly neighbors, to knowing to call “211” for assistance, Pappas offered tips about how to stay cool, and how RIEMA is helping direct the state’s response.
See RIEMA Cooling Centers List HERE
Pappas also addressed the capacity of the state’s electric grid — and how RIEMA would help respond in the event of a blackout, which he sees as unlikely.
State Agencies, Non-Profits Offer Advice — and Resources
The YMCA of Greater Providence is offering free access to members’ guests this weekend to help beat the extreme heat and humidity expected over the next several days.
Members can invite another family, free of charge, to the Y this weekend at one of the Greater Providence YMCA branch locations: Bayside Family YMCA, Cranston YMCA, East Side Mt. Hope YMCA, Kent County YMCA, Newman YMCA and the South County YMCA. For more information and to find locations visit www.cooloffattheY.org.
The Rhode Island Department of Health is urging those that have special healthcare needs to consider enrolling in the Rhode Island Special Needs Emergency Registry (RISNER).
Enrolling in RISNER lets police, fire, and other first responders to better prepare for and respond to enrollees’ needs during an emergency. When enrolling in the registry, a person provides information about their healthcare needs (for example, information about mobility issues, information about a visual or hearing impairment, information about the use of a life support system, such as a respirator).
For more information or to enroll, visit health.ri.gov/emregistry or call 211/RI Relay 711.
The Department of Health also provided information about symptoms of heat exhaustion — and stroke.
About heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion symptoms include heavy sweating; weakness; cold, pale, or clammy skin; a fast or weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; and fainting. Individuals who have symptoms of heat exhaustion should move to a cooler location, lie down, loosen clothing, sip water, and apply cool, wet cloths to help cool the body down. Seek medical attention if vomiting begins, or if symptoms get worse or last longer than one hour.
About heat stroke
Heat stroke symptoms include high body temperature (above 103 degrees F) combined with hot, red, dry, or moist skin; rapid and strong pulse; confusion; and loss of consciousness. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. 911 should be called immediately. Individuals experiencing heat stroke symptoms should also be moved to a cooler environment. Apply cool cloths or place the person into a cool bath to lower body temperature. Fans and ice packs can also be used to cool someone. Ice packs should be placed on the neck, under the armpit, or in the groin area (because these are the areas where large arteries are closest to the surface of the skin).