Local firefighter details signs of heat-related illnesses ahead of extreme heat
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Temperatures across Mid-Missouri are expected to reach the low 90s with humidity that makes it feel close to 100 degrees, according to the ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Team.
According to The Associated Press, 2023 set a new record for heat related deaths in the U.S. 36 of those were reported in Missouri.
Gale Blomenkamp with Boone County Fire tells ABC 17 the most common heat related illness they see is heat exhaustion.
"Usually nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, hot skin and just overheating. Those types of situations are what we're seeing. What we do see,” Blomenkamp said.
According to ABC 17 Stormtrack Forecaster Sawyer Jackson it's important people have multiple ways to cool themselves down and to be prepared for extreme heat.
"Getting into the shade, drinking plenty of water, or possibly finding some sort of indoors with AC, just any sort of air conditioning, just making sure you're staying cool over these next couple of days," Jackson said.
For anyone without air conditioning, the city of Columbia has a number of cooling centers available to the public.
These cooling centers include:
- ARC (Activity and Recreation Center), 1701 W. Ash St. Columbia, MO 65203
- City Hall, 701 East Broadway
- Columbia/Boone County Public Health & Human Services, 1005 W. Worley St Columbia, Missouri 65203
- Columbia Public Library, 100 W. Broadway
- Salvation Army, 1108 W. Ash St.
- Salvation Army Harbor House, 602 N. Ann St.
Keeping cool and staying safe in the sun is essential to help you avoid heat related illnesses and in some cases, death.
