As you know by now, the heat is on and it will be staying through the end of the week.
Temperatures have peaked in the high 90’s Thursday and are expected to remain there Friday and Saturday. While air temperatures are sitting under triple digits, heat indexes are certainly not. Readings had already reached triple digits by lunchtime Thursday in parts of the KVOE listening area and currently remain there with readings as high as 105 in Emporia, 107 in Council Grove and 102 in Burlington.
With the extreme heat, residents have been reminded numerous times to limit time outdoors and ensure they are staying properly hydrated. This is all the more important for civil servants, such as Emporia firefighters, who are often responding to calls through all hours of the day.
Emporia Fire Battalion Chief Eron Steinlage tells KVOE News in order to be ready for not only any potential fire emergencies but the exhausting heat as well, firefighters spend upwards of 24 hours preparing for what mother nature may bring their way.
Steinlage adds when crews are responding to a call they are sure to take breaks to reduce the chances of succumbing to any heat-related illnesses or fatigue.
Just as firefighters have to be prepared, so do everyday citizens. Residents are reminded as the excessive heat warning remains in effect through early Saturday evening, to limit their time outdoors and if possible move any strenuous activities to the early morning or evening hours.
If this is not possible then be sure to drink plenty of water, wear loose-fitting clothing and check in on youth, elderly and pets alike to make sure they aren’t suffering any form of heat stress like excessive or no sweating, headache, dizziness, nausea or confusion.
We’ll keep you updated on KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media.
