County Cautions Residents about Excessive Heat Watch

Bucks County released this message today: 

The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Watch that goes into effect Thursday and continues through Monday. Temperatures are expected to be in the 90s and with the humidity may make it feel close to 100 degrees.

The Board of Bucks County Commissioners and county Emergency Services Director John Dougherty caution residents to the dangers that a combination of hot temperatures and high humidity can bring.

Extreme hot weather can cause serious heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Unless restricted, drink plenty of water and/or non-alcoholic beverages to prevent dehydration. Minimize time spent outdoors and stay out of the sun whenever possible. The best approach during a heat wave is to remain indoors with an air-conditioner or in a ventilated room with a fan.

The public is encouraged to check frequently on elderly neighbors, friends and family members. The county Area Agency on Aging (AAA) reminds seniors that while everyone should take precautions, seniors are especially vulnerable to effects from the heat. 

Symptoms of a possible heat injury include faintness, dizziness, nausea, weakness, and heavy sweating. For more information on symptoms and treatment relating to the elderly, visit the CDC Web sitehttp://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/elderlyheat.asp. As with any emergency, call 9-1-1 when necessary. The elderly also may call 215-348-0510 for help during this period of extreme heat.

General information on preventing heat-related injuries also is available through the Bucks County Health Department information pages at: http://www.buckscounty.org/government/departments/HumanServices/HealthDepartment/HeatRelatedIllness.aspx