{"id":9301,"date":"2022-07-21T15:25:20","date_gmt":"2022-07-21T19:25:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/?page_id=9301"},"modified":"2022-09-21T09:27:02","modified_gmt":"2022-09-21T13:27:02","slug":"virginians-are-reminded-to-stay-safe-during-excessive-heat-advisories-and-warnings-issued-this-week","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/virginians-are-reminded-to-stay-safe-during-excessive-heat-advisories-and-warnings-issued-this-week\/","title":{"rendered":"Virginians Are Reminded to Stay Safe During Excessive Heat: Advisories and Warnings Issued this Week"},"content":{"rendered":"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 21, 2022
\n<\/strong>Media Contact:\u00a0<\/strong>Linda Scarborough, Linda.Scarborough@vdh.virginia.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Virginians Are Reminded to Stay Safe During Excessive Heat
\n<\/strong>Advisories and Warnings Issued this Week<\/em><\/p>\n

(Richmond, VA<\/strong>) — This week, portions of the state have experienced excessive heat and humidity prompting advisories and warnings to be issued. Temperatures have reached the mid- to upper 90s, and are expected to be near 100 degrees this weekend. The heat index, describing how the temperature feels to the human body, may be in excess of 110 degrees. These conditions are dangerous to any person outdoors, and especially so for older adults, young children, and people with existing medical conditions, such as heart disease. Heat-related illnesses can also impact those with outdoor jobs or individuals participating in recreational activities, most notably during the hottest times of the day.<\/p>\n

Heat-related illness occurs when body temperature rises faster than the body can cool itself. The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) advises the best way to avoid heat injury is prevention.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery year, more than 600 people in the U.S. die of heat-related illness, and many others experience hospitalization, so it is imperative to ensure that all Virginians take the necessary precautions to avoid heat injury,\u201d said State Health Commissioner Colin M. Greene, MD, MPH. <\/strong>\u201cWith two more months of summer remaining, it is important the public understands the steps that can be taken to protect themselves and others. The first step is to look at the weather forecast and plan accordingly. For extreme heat, the best prevention is to remain indoors in an air-conditioned location. If you must be outdoors, avoid the afternoon hours, seek shade, and limit physical activity to a minimum. Drink water or sports drinks at least once an hour; don\u2019t wait to be thirsty. Take frequent rest breaks in the shade and wear loose-fitting, light-colored, lightweight clothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

It is crucial to recognize the warning signs of heat illness.<\/p>\n