Update (1:04 p.m. August 4): Heat is suspected of killing two more people, bringing the total number of deaths believed to be caused by the extreme weather up to four. Not a lot is known other than the Jackson County Medical Examiner is investigating, and we may not get answers for weeks or months.
Oddly, the city says to check out the health department's Twitter and Facebook pages for "updates on the number of suspected heat-related deaths." Morbid.
Original Story (12 p.m. August 2): If people killing people
wasn't enough in this fucked up city, now the heat is taking lives. The
heat is suspected of killing two people in the metro, and the Jackson
County Medical Examiner is investigating.
We don't have any
names or additional info, but this time of year just keeps getting more
dangerous. So don't leave your homes, people (unless you don't have air
conditioning, then get out!).
The city offered 10 tips to avoiding a heat-related death. A lot of 'em
are common sense, like not leaving your pets or children in a closed
vehicle. We really need to keep reminding people about this? Here they
are anyway:
1. Never leave children, pets or othersalone in closed
vehicles: within minutes, the temperature inside a car can reach over
140
degrees and can result in death.
2. If you have to
work outside or in a non-air-conditioned workplace, take frequent
breaks, rest
in the shade or cooler environment, and drink plenty of water.
3. Check on your neighbors, friends and relatives
at least twice a
day (morning and night).
4. Avoid too much sunshine,
and postpone outdoor activities and games.
5. Avoid
extreme temperature changes, such as a taking a cool shower immediately
after
coming inside from hot temperatures.
6. Stay indoors
as much as possible.
7. If your home does not have
air conditioning, go to a public building every day for several
hours.
8. Replace incandescent bulbs with compact
fluorescent bulbs, to reduce heat and save money.
9.
Conserve electricity not needed to keep you cool.
10.
Dress for the weather: wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored
clothing;
lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and helps maintain
normal body
temperature. If you have to be outside, cover as much skin as possible
to avoid
sunburn. Protect your face and head with a wide-brimmed
hat.
Try to stay cool out there, people.
Comments (0)