Warning Description: Heat Advisory

Warning Date: 4:27 am CDT on July 30, 2010

WarningSum:...Heat Advisory In Effect From Noon Today To 7 Pm Cdt Sunday...

Warning Message:The National Weather Service in Birmingham has issued a heat
advisory...which is in effect from noon today to 7 PM CDT Sunday.
The combination of heat and humidity will combine to create heat
index values near or above 105 degrees in many locations through
Sunday afternoon. In addition...overnight temperatures will not
provide great relief as these lows will remain in the mid 70s in
many places.
Precautionary/preparedness actions...
A heat advisory means that a period of hot temperatures is
expected. The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity
will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are
possible. Drink plenty of fluids...stay in an air-conditioned
room...stay out of the sun...and check up on relatives and
neighbors. Make sure your pets have plenty of water and shelter.
WarningDesc:Special Weather Statement

WarningDate:11:23 am CDT on July 30, 2010

WarningSum:...The Following Message Is Transmitted At The Request Of The
Alabama Department Of Public Health....

Warning Message:The Alabama department of public health advises the public to be
alert to the warning signals of heat illnesses now that the National
Weather Service in Birmingham has issued a heat advisory which is in
effect from noon today through 7 PM CDT Sunday for central Alabama.
The combination of heat and humidity will create daytime afternoon
heat index values near or above 105 degrees f for this afternoon
and into the weekend, according to the National Weather Service.
In addition, overnight temperatures will not provide much relief
as temperatures will not drop below 75 degrees f so that any heat
that builds up in indoor areas will have very little opportunity
to escape.
People should drink plenty of water, stay in an air-conditioned room,
and keep out of the sun. The public should also check on the elderly
and ensure pets have plenty of water to drink and a shady place to
cool off.
Heat related illnesses occur when the body's temperature control
system is overloaded. The Alabama department of public health
cautions everyone to be alert to the warnings that may signal help
is needed.
Heat stroke, sometimes called sunstroke, is the most serious heat
related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control
its temperature. The body's temperature rises rapidly, the
sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down. Body
temperature may rise to 106 degrees f or higher within 10 to 15
minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if
emergency treatment is not provided.
Warning signs of heat stroke vary, but include the following:
-an extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees f)
-Red, Hot and dry skin (no sweating)
-rapid, strong pulse
-throbbing headache
-dizziness
-nausea
-confusion
-unconsciousness
Get the person to a shady area, cool rapidly in a tub of cool water,
place in a cool shower, spray with cool water from a garden hose,
splash with cool water, or, if the humidity is low, place in a
cool, wet sheet and fan vigorously. Monitor body temperature and
continue cooling efforts until the person's body temperature drops
to 101 to 102 degrees f. If emergency medical personnel are
delayed, call a hospital emergency room for further instructions.
Dr. Donald Williamson, state health officer, said, "heat stroke is
a life-threatening emergency. A person with heat stroke is likely
to be unconscious or unresponsive, so he or she cannot safely
consume any liquids. Under no circumstances should you give any
alcohol to a person with heat stroke or any heat illness."
Follow these preventive measures to avoid heat illnesses:
-drink more fluids, and avoid beverages containing alcohol or
caffeine.
-When temperatures are extreme, stay indoors, ideally in an air-
conditioned place.
-Take a cool shower or Bath, and reduce or eliminate strenuous
activities during the hottest time of the day. 
-Protect yourself from the sun with a wide brimmed hat, light
colored and loose fitting clothing, and use a sunscreen of spf 15
or higher. 
-Never leave pets or people in a parked vehicle.
Individuals with heart problems, poor circulation, diabetes, a
previous stroke or obesity are at greater risk of becoming sick
in hot weather. The risk of heat related illness may increase
among people using medications for high blood pressure,
nervousness or depression.
For more information, visit www.Adph.Org.
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