Excessive heat is expected through the first half of the weekend.
An excessive heat warning continues through early Saturday evening for the KVOE listening area. Air temperatures will approach 100 all four days. Heat index readings have been miserable:
*Emporia: 108 degrees
*Council Grove: 108 degrees
*Melvern: 111 degrees
A lot of people have to be out in the elements, and that list includes letter carriers. Emporia Postmaster Harry Gifford says this week has been slower than normal when it comes to incoming and outgoing letters, but it has been busier than normal when it comes to packages because of Amazon Prime Day traffic — and that can make a big difference for a letter carrier in days like these.
Letter carriers are being told to hydrate often, start their routes earlier than normal and to have portable fans in their trucks. Gifford says letter carriers have also been given cooling towels to beat the heat.
As the heat continues, drink lots of water, wear light, loose-fitting clothing and take frequent breaks. Also, make sure to check on young, old 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.
If you need fans, the Salvation Army has some to pass out. On KVOE’s Talk of Emporia on Wednesday, Capt. Deb Thompson said several donors provided fans recently.
Residents can go to the office at 327 Constitution weekday afternoons and get a fan if they have a valid ID with a Lyon County address. There is also a special walk-in event for people needing fans set for 2-6 pm July 26. People needing a free fan need to bring a photo ID with a Lyon County address.
We’ll keep you updated on KVOE, KVOE.com and KVOE social media.
