Temperatures Expect To Climb Back Up This Week, Hydrate To Avoid Issues

Temperatures projecting to climb back up this week in the Upper Cumberland, making certain activities quite dangerous if you are outdoors

Jackson County EMS Spokesperson Derek Woolbright said that people should follow some basic rules for preventing heat exhaustion.

“The first thing is to hydrate; drink water, don’t not eat or drink and then go outside and try to work a half a day in this heat,” Woolbright said. “And especially for elderly and people with pre-existing medical conditions, especially respiratory issues, if you don’t have to be out in the midday heat just don’t be out in it.”

Woolbright said total avoidance is the absolute key at the moment, if you don’t have to be out for a specific reason just stay in. He said If you must go out, be cautious with your workload and know your limits.

Woolbright also said people should familiarize themselves with the symptoms of heat exhaustion so they know when to quit. He said the signs can sometimes be deceptive, leading people to overexert themselves without even knowing it.

“You’re gonna have basic symptoms of dizziness or some people may stop sweating when they get to that point that they’re so dehydrated,” Woolbright said. “And that’s gonna be a time, when you start to see those symptoms, when you start to just not feel right you need to remove yourself from that heat.”

Once exhaustion or heatstroke sets in, Woolbright says you have to remove the afflicted person from the heat and get them fluids as quickly as possible. He said there are no incredible hacks for the cooldown process, the best way to help is to remove them from that heat.

Woolbright said our area is always prone to heat-related issues dues to the climate and abundance of outdoor activity, but this year is a little different.

“This season, to me, has been a little odd because it’s gotten warm a little later, so people have gotten acclimated to the warmth a little later,” Woolbright said.

If you or someone you know shows symptoms of heat exhaustion, contact your local EMS immediately and follow the advice above.