Officials Urge Caution During Excessive Heat Warning
Published on June 24, 2024
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an excessive heat warning for Lincoln and Lancaster County effective from 1 to 8 p.m. Monday, June 24. The NWS reports that dangerously hot conditions with heat index values up to 110 degrees are expected. Heat indices up to 115 will be possible in urban areas.
There are no schedule changes planned for City pools, recreation and community centers.
Know your risk:
The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) urges residents to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses and to closely monitor weather conditions and heat risk as temperatures rise. Anyone can suffer from heat-related illnesses but some people are at greater risk than others including:
- Infants, young children, pregnant people and older adults whose bodies are less able to adapt to heat
- People with disabilities or certain health conditions (like heart disease, asthma, diabetes, obesity, and mental health conditions)
- Outdoor workers and people who exercise outside
- People without air conditioning or water to drink
- Pets, service or support animals and livestock
Where to stay cool:
Those without air conditioning can cool off during regular hours at recreation centers, libraries, and senior centers (for adults 60 and older).
Fans
Use a fan to cool off, only when indoor temperatures are less than 90 degrees. Aging Partners has a limited number of fans for distribution on a first-come-first-served basis to adults age 60 and over. No financial screening is needed. For more information, call 402-441-3025. The program also accepts fan donations at the Aging Partners office, 600 S. 70th St.
The LLCHD reminds residents that the best defense against heat-related illness is prevention, including taking steps to stay cool, stay hydrated and stay informed.
Stay cool
- Stay cool in an air-conditioned area.
- Wear loose, light-colored clothing and sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) if you need to be outside.
- Consider canceling outdoor activities during the heat of the day. Otherwise, move activities to the coolest parts of the day or evening.
- Rest frequently in shaded areas.
Stay hydrated
- Drink plenty of water and don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink.
- Limit alcohol and drinks with caffeine.
- Monitor infants and children for fluid intake.
Stay informed
- Know the signs. If your body gets too hot, you can get sick.
Heat exhaustion can develop following exposure for several days to high temperatures. Symptoms include heavy sweating, rapid heartbeat, cold, pale clammy skin, nausea, dizziness, weakness, and fatigue.
Heat stroke, the most serious heat-related illness, is a medical emergency characterized by a body temperature of above 103⁰ F or greater. Symptoms include hot, red skin, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, confusion, passing out.
Anyone suffering from these conditions should be moved into the shade or air conditioning. If heatstroke or serious heat exhaustion is suspected, get emergency medical assistance.
- Check the NWS website at weather.gov or your local media for weather updates.
Check on others – people and pets:
- Check on relatives, neighbors and friends who may be a higher risk for heat-related illness or who live alone. Make sure they stay cool and hydrated.
- Never leave children or pets in a parked car.
- Pets can suffer from heat-related illness too. If your pet spends its days outside, make sure it has plenty of fresh water and shade. Keep paws away from hot pavement. Check on pets frequently or bring them indoors if possible.
If you see a pet in a hot car or outside without shade or water for an extended period of time, call Animal Control at 402-441-7900.
Additional extreme heat resources:
National Weather Service, Omaha/Valley Office – weather.gov/oax
National Weather Service, HeatRisk – NWS HeatRisk (noaa.gov)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention HeatRisk Dashboard – CDC.gov/heatrisk
Extreme Heat and Your Health – CDC.gov/extremeheat
Ready for Extreme Heat – Ready.gov/heat
National Integrated Heat Health Information System – Heat.gov