Air Quality Orange: How to Beat the Heat

A excessive heat advisory for the St. Louis metro area is in effect until 7 p.m. Saturday, June 30.

An advisory is issued when the Heat Index is expected to reach 105 degrees Fahrenheit or air temperature reaches 100 degrees) or an Excessive Heat Warning is issued by the National Weather Service.

The EPA has declared Friday an orange air quality day, meaning it is unhealthy for sensitive groups to be outdoors. According to the Air Quality Index, people with lung disease, older adults and children are at a greater risk from exposure to ozone, whereas persons with heart and lung disease, older adults and children are at greater risk from the presence of particles in the air.

The United Way has several helpful tips for those seeking relief from the oppressive temperatures. Cooling sites are available during the heat advisory. 

Those in need of help can go online to 211helps.org or call United Way 2-1-1 to find a cooling site near you. To ensure a site is operating during the time you plan to visit, please call the site ahead of time. For emergencies call 9-1-1.

Below are tips, compiled by Operation Weather Survival to help keep you safe and cool during hot weather emergencies.

Hot weather tips include:

• Stay cool — Stay out of the direct sun and heat. Spend as many hours as possible in a cool place. Minimize physical activity. Take cool baths or showers; use cool towels. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose fitting clothing. Use air-conditioning if available.
• Keep cool — Close your curtains and windows in the morning to keep the sun and heat out of your home. Open windows and doors at night to cool inside temperatures. Keep electric lights off or turned down. If you don’t have air-conditioning leave your home and go to a cool safe place, senior centers, shopping malls, etc. are options. You can locate a cooling center by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting www.211helps.org.
• Drink plenty of water/natural juices — Cool drinks help to replenish fluid losses due to increased perspiration in high temperature. Drink at least 6-8 glasses of fluids every day. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they cause your body to lose more water. Keep a few bottles of water in your freezer — if the power goes out, move them to your refrigerator and keep the doors shut. Eat light foods.
• Know your neighbors — Develop a personal support network of people who will check in with you at least twice a day throughout warm weather periods, and plan how you will help each other in an emergency. Watch for signs of heat stroke and/or heat exhaustion. Call for help when needed. Please help to monitor seniors or people with functional needs (disabled) who are at greater risk during hot weather periods. Seniors or individuals with functional needs in the City of St. Louis may also sign up for their Functional Needs Registry by calling (314) 612-5918.
• Plan ahead — Ask your doctor about any prescription medicine you keep refrigerated (most medicine will be fine to leave in a closed refrigerator for at least 3 hours). Make plans for any animals and pets. In the event of a power loss, keep a battery-operated radio on hand to hear news reports and a flashlight handy for lighting. Remember extra batteries. Do not use candles due to fire hazards. Cordless phones may not operate during power outages so keep a corded phone handy or plugged into another jack.
• Call 911 if you or anyone you know needs medical attention — Warning signs of heat illness include heavy sweating, cramps, headache, nausea or vomiting, tiredness, weakness, dizziness and fainting.

Operation Weather Survival

OWS is a coalition of local government, for-profit and nonprofit organizations that coordinates resources and educate the public to prevent illness and death caused by extreme hot or cold weather. United Way handles the administration and call center for OWS.