Local libraries, senior centers act as cooling centers for county
By Kyle Troutman ktroutman@cassville-democrat.com
The National Weather Service in Springfield has issued two excessive heat warnings for today and Friday, with highs expected to drop to the 80s next week before climbing again.
According to the NWS, from 1-10 p.m. Thursday and Friday, heat index values could reach as high as 109 in Barry County. Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working outdoors or participating in outdoor activities.
“Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors,” the NWS advised. “Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
“Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency, and anyone suffering from heat stroke should call 9-1-1.”
The heat is expected to linger through the weekend before possible storms early next week provide cooler temperatures.
David Compton, Barry County Emergency Management director, said individuals dealing with the oppressive heat may find relief at eight locations in the county.
“We have cooling stations at the Monett Branch Library, Monett Senior Center and Monett YMCA, as well as at the Cassville Branch Library and Cassville Senior Center, Shell Knob Branch Library and Central Crossing Senior Center, and the Eagle Rock Branch Library,” Compton said. “Those eight locations are pretty spread out through the county, and several churches, such as the Lutheran Church in Monett, and other public buildings are available, but these eight are what we list.”
Compton said none of the stations offer transportation, but they are open during the hottest part of the day, and all are ADA-compliant.
Compton said when it comes to excessive heat, many look to the heat index to judge heat, but that figure only accounts for air temperature and humidity. Instead, Compton advises using the WetBulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), which is a measure of the heat stress in direct sunlight, which takes into account: temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle and cloud cover (solar radiation).
The heat index for Cassville Thursday afternoon was at 108, and the WBGT was at 87.
“The WBGT gives a better idea of what the actual temperature feels like outside,” Compton said. “Most sports teams, the military and OSHA use the WBGT. Anything over 88 for us can put you at great risk for heat craps. Between 88-90 can cause heat exhaustion in 20 minutes, and over 90 in 10 minutes.”
Compton said younger and older individuals are most likely to develop heat-related illnesses more rapidly.
“Barry County is in the high category of the WBGT today, and in some areas of the county, it will be in the extreme category,” Compton said. “The best advice is if you are working or doing something outside, take frequent breaks and hydrate.”
Compton said proper hydration includes more than just water, which can deplete the body of electrolytes.
“It’s best to drink water and drink an electrolyte solution,” Compton said. “If you only drink water, you can deplete your body of things like sodium and potassium, which can cause water toxicity and make heat exhaustion life-threatening. A mix of water and electrolyte solution will replace what you lose.”
Compton said family and friends of older adults should also check on them if they live alone and do not have air conditioning.
“Older folks in homes with no air conditioning should open the windows to get some airflow,” he said. “At a certain point, the house may get too hot and that won’t help. Family or neighbors should check in and make sure they have a place to go or are using fans and hydrating.”
Compton said heat-related illness reports are not tracked unless it is an extreme situation or cluster.
“Most people recover or go to the emergency room or urgent care,” Compton said.
Compton said drought conditions have followed the heat, and he wished to remind residents to use caution when burning.
“We are in a moderate drought right now, but a couple more weeks with no rain and we will move up,” he said. We definitely have a potential for fires to get out of control very quickly. If you are burning, have a water source nearby, monitor the burn the entire time and call your local fire department to inform them and get advice on if it is a good idea right now or if there is a burn ban.”
Compton said recent storms have staved off extreme drought conditions, which would likely trigger burn bans throughout the county.
