It’s not the heat. It’s how to deal with it.
The recent rise in temperature has caused the Mid-America Regional Council to issue an excessive heat warning for all counties in the Kansas City metropolitan area until tonight. Though the temperatures are predicted to reach the upper 90s, the “feels like” temperature may be as high as 108 degrees.
Karen Savage, public information officer for the Leavenworth County Health Department, said the advisory is especially directed to those people participating in outdoor activities.
“It’s mostly for coaches and schools, and band members,” she said.
According to the MARC release, athletes and anyone who participates in outdoor activities should be careful to drink plenty of water, and not wait until they are thirsty.
“A good rule of thumb during hot weather is if you’re thirsty, you are already beginning to dehydrate,” said Leon Vinci, director of Public Health for Johnson County.
Athletes should also avoid any performance-enhancing products that will increase metabolism. Such products may increase body temperature and cause dehydration, according to the release.
Furthermore, the release said strenuous activity should be done either in the morning or later in the evening after the sun sets.
In the meantime, Savage said people should stay inside if at all possible, drink plenty of fluids, eat light meals, check on neighbors and pets and find a cool place to go.
Savage said Leavenworth County has no cooling stations. However, she said residents can visit the Leavenworth Public Library or another public place to cool down.
The Leavenworth County Council on Aging has programs almost every day for seniors. Age requirements vary based on the program. However, most programs are open to seniors over the age of 60.
For others without air conditioning, there are other options. Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas has a supply of fans that are available free of charge to those who need them.
Gloria Owens, director of Catholic Charities, said the fans are supplied by Westar Energy and the First United Methodist Church in Leavenworth.
“We are the main provider of fans and we have had several calls for them this year,” she said.
Owens said Catholic Charities has coordinated the effort for at least the seven years she has worked there. Though fans are not always available, Owens said the organization does have enough for the summer.
Anyone who needs a fan must bring photo identification to Catholic Charities at 716 N. Fifth St. in Leavenworth.
The warning took effect on Friday and ends at 7 p.m. today. Savage said she did not think the advisory would be extended past that time because of a cold front moving into the area. The front is expected to bring rain to the area.
Leavenworth, Kan. —
