Cole County EMS provides water refill station at fair as heat index continues to climb

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

Jefferson City Jaycees Cole County Fair organizers are preparing for the heat.

The fair began on Monday and takes place each day this week through Friday at the Cole County Fairgrounds as the heat index is expected to hit 110 degrees, according to the ABC 17 News Stormtrack Weather Team.

"We always have high heat, high humidity and this year's no different," Fair Entertainment Chair Mike Freeman said, "We're going to have plenty of water around for sale and encourage people to stay hydrated while they're out here."

Along with accessible water vendors, Cole County EMS will have a water refill station at its tent each day.

"Making sure that people stay hydrated both before they come here and then while they’re here, is highly important to make sure that everyone enjoys themselves and has a good time," Cole County Emergency Management Director Nicholas Tietsort said.

The Jefferson City Jaycees and Cole County EMS have been continuously working closely together for this event for around 10 years. EMS responders are highly attentive to heat-related illness and first responders will be patrolling and monitoring the event, in case of emergency.

"We have an emergency plan in place for any severe storms or any incidents that may happen every year," Freeman said. "That plan gets updated before the fair and sometimes during the fair as events arise."

Outside of heat safety, all 33 rides passed with satisfactory grades in an Amusement Ride Safety Inspection Report.