Full Notification

National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Wayne County until 07/07/10 @ 11:00pm.

A HEAT ADVISORY MEANS THAT A PERIOD OF HOT TEMPERATURES IS EXPECTED. THE COMBINATION OF HOT TEMPERATURES AND HIGH HUMIDITY WILL COMBINE TO CREATE A SITUATION IN WHICH HEAT ILLNESSES ARE POSSIBLE. DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS...STAY IN AN AIR-CONDITIONED ROOM IF POSSIBLE...STAY OUT OF THE SUN...AND CHECK ON RELATIVES AND NEIGHBORS. CHILDREN AND PETS SHOULD NEVER BE LEFT UNATTENDED IN VEHICLES UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

Common heat related illnesses:

Heat exhaustion: This condition often occurs when people exercise (work or play) in a hot, humid place and body fluids are lost through sweating, causing the body to overheat. The person's temperature may be elevated, but not above 104 F. Heat stroke:

Heat stroke, also referred to as heatstroke is a life-threatening medical condition. The person's cooling system, which is controlled by the brain, stops working and the internal body temperature rises to the point where brain damage or damage to other internal organs may result (temperature may reach 105 F or greater).

Treatment of heat exhaustion: Because heat exhaustion generally develops gradually, a person will often be dehydrated. Usually they may be given something to drink, and a cool sport beverage (with 6% or less glucose) should be used. IV fluid may be used if the person does not tolerate oral replacement (if he or she cannot keep anything down). The patient should stay in a cool environment and avoid strenuous activity for several days.

Treatment of heat stroke: Treatment is aimed at reducing the patient's core temperature to normal as quickly as possible. The doctor may use immersion, evaporative, or invasive cooling techniques. In the evaporative technique, cold or ice packs may be placed in the armpits or groin. The skin is kept moist with cool fluid, and fans are directed to blow across the body. An IV will be started and fluids are given rapidly. The patient's urine output will be monitored. Treatment will continue until the patient's body core temperature is 101.3-102.2°F (38.5-39°C) and then stopped to keep from making the patient too cold. The patient most likely is admitted to the hospital for further blood tests and observation.