Residents advised to stay cool, hydrated and informed

With temperatures forecast to the high 90s or even 100 this week, Mayor Greg Fischer is advising residents to stay cool, stay hydrated and stay informed.

The Mayor reminds citizens that extremely high or unusually hot temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke and even death.

Most vulnerable are the elderly, those who work or exercise outdoors, infants and children, the homeless or poor, and those with chronic medical conditions.

The Mayor and Dr. Katherine Pohlgeers, a UofL Physicians group doctor who has been serving as interim medical director for the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness, offered tips for staying safe, including:

Stay cool

• Stay in air-conditioned buildings.
• Contact Metro United Way at 2-1-1 or metrounitedway.org to locate a cooling center in your area, including libraries, community centers and government buildings.
• Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
• Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when it is the hottest part of the day, and avoid direct sunlight.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature.
• Check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors at least twice a day.
• Take special care of your pets in the heat, including ample shade and water and limits on exercise.
•  Stay hydrated
• Drink from two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
• Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
• Make sure your family, friends and neighbors are drinking enough water.
• Find a cool public place, such as a library or a community center.

Stay informed

• Check your local news for extreme heat warnings and safety tips.
• Visit gov/emergencyservices to find local information and tips for preventing heat sickness.
• Keep your friends, family and neighbors aware of weather and heat safety information.
• On Twitter, check the hashtag #cool502 to find more tips.