No relief in sight



POMEROY — As the mercury rises and heat advisories are issued, residents, particularly the elderly, are being advised to take special precautions so they do not become overheated.

Staffs at both the Meigs Senior Center and the Mulberry Community Center are inviting seniors to spend time with them in their air-conditioned locations.

Alva Clark, director of the Meigs Cooperative Parish, is encouraging seniors and others to come at Mulberry Center and suggests they bring games or projects they can work on to pass the time while cooling off in the air-conditioned building. The Center is open from 8 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. and his invitation is “Come, be cool.”

Another place to hang out in air-conditioned comfort is the Meigs Senior Center, open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday, and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday. At the center food and beverages are always available, there is a variety of things to do and others to make conversation with while cooling down.

According to the Red Cross, in recent years, excessive heat has caused more deaths than all other weather events, including floods. When heat waves are combined with high humidity, seniors are said to be particularly vulnerable to illness. They are being encouraged to take extra precautions not only during this heat wave but for the remainder of the summer when predictions are for periods of high temperatures.

Heat-related illnesses can be avoided by taking special precautions, but in the event of an emergency, Ohio EMS Executive Director Jeffrey Learning says “EMS personnel are prepared to respond to heat-related illnesses.” In addition to the elderly, Learning cautioned parents and caregivers to pay close attention to children and anyone suffering from illness.

The Division of EMS offers the following tips to follow during times of extreme heat:

• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.

• Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.

• Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.

• Drink plenty of water and limit the intake of alcoholic beverages.

• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.

• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.

• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Take frequent breaks.

• If you believe that you or someone may be suffering from heat stress, call 9-1-1 or consult a physician.