Heat advisory for Dover in effect; Cooling Centers open

posted on: 7/30/2019

As heat and humidity continue to rise, the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Dover, beginning at noon today, Tuesday, July 30, 2019. The advisory concludes at 8 p.m.

The combination of temperatures reaching into the 90s and increasing humidity will contribute to a heat index of 95 degrees or more this afternoon. For an up-to-date forecast, visit the National Weather Service's information for Dover at http://go.usa.gov/xPGSn.

Residents looking to cool off while the heat advisory is in effect can visit City cooling centers during regular hours, including the McConnell Center cafeteria, which is open until 9 p.m. today, and the Public Library, which is open until 8:30 p.m. today.

For those unable to utilize the McConnell Center or Library cooling centers during regular hours, the air-conditioned lobby of the Police Station at 46 Chestnut St. and the City's Liberty North End Fire Station at 262 Sixth St. are also available for temporary relief from the heat.

The Jenny Thompson Outdoor Pool is also open today for public swimming from 12 to 7:30 p.m.

Here are some tips from Dover Fire and Rescue to help prevent heat-related illness:

• Stay out of the sun as much as possible. Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day and take regular breaks from physical activity.
• Wear sunscreen and loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing to help keep cool.
• Never leave children, seniors, pets, or people with health conditions in a parked vehicle, even briefly. Temperatures can become dangerous within a few minutes.
• Check on your neighbors, especially seniors and people with a chronic illness, to see if they need assistance.
• Use air conditioning to cool down. People who do not have an air conditioner can go to an air-conditioned public building, such as a public library or shopping mall, for a few hours.
  Drink plenty of fluids – don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. Water is best. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks.
• Be aware that some medicines affect the body's ability to sweat and stay cool. Do NOT stop taking medication unless instructed to do so by your healthcare provider.
• When the body is unable to cool itself sufficiently by sweating, heat exhaustion can result. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale, or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; fatigue. If you are experiencing heat exhaustion, drink cool beverages, seek air conditioning, rest, and remove heavy clothing. If left untreated, heat stroke can result. Heat stroke is life threatening. Symptoms of heat stroke include red skin that is hot to the touch; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. The body temperature may rise dramatically and the skin may feel dry. Move someone experiencing heat stroke to a cool place and seek emergency medical assistance.

For more information, contact Dover Fire and Rescue at 603-516-6148.

For emergencies, dial 911.