Jun 16, 2021

Take precautions to protect people, pets from soaring heat

Posted Jun 16, 2021 12:02 PM

By SALINA POST

High temperatures in the area are expected to reach levels dangerous to both people and pets during the next few days.

The National Weather Service in Wichita has forecast Wednesday's high for Salina to be near 100 degrees, while Thursday's high is expected to be near 105 and Friday's high near 101.

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 600 people in the U.S. are killed by extreme heat every year, despite such deaths being preventable. Extreme heat is defined as summer temperatures that are much hotter and/or humid than average.

"Heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, happen when the body is not able to properly cool itself. While the body normally cools itself by sweating, during extreme heat, this might not be enough. In these cases, a person’s body temperature rises faster than it can cool itself down. This can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs," the CDC noted on its website.

According to the CDC, "Summertime activity, whether on the playing field or the construction site, must be balanced with actions that help the body cool itself to prevent heat-related illness."

While extreme heat creates health challenges for people, it also isn't good for pets. Following are some tips from the Kansas Division of Emergency Management for helping your pets weather the heat.