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Media Contacts:
Kristina Wieghmink, Public Information Officer
(616) 494-5597 kwieghmink@miottawa.org
Nick Bonstell, Emergency Management Director
(616) 738-4050 nbonstell@miottawa.org
OTTAWA COUNTY, July 7, 2020 – Summertime is here and it’s a HOT one! An excessive heat watch is in effect for Ottawa County. Be sure to take precautions to stay healthy and safe, especially during this COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to heat safety, people should remain vigilant to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by following the disease prevention guidelines - wash hands often, clean and disinfect surfaces, avoid close contact with others, wear a face covering when around others and stay home if you are not feeling well.
"Hot temperatures and high humidity put people at a greater risk of heat illness," said Kristina Wieghmink, public information officer, Ottawa County Department of Public Health. "Seniors, infants and children, homeless, people with a chronic medical condition and those who work or exercise outdoors are most vulnerable to heat exhaustion."
STAY COOL
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Wear Appropriate Clothing: Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
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Stay Cool Indoors: Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to a place that does. Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, they will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath is a much better way to cool off. Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home. Cover your windows with drapes or blinds.
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Schedule Outdoor Activities Carefully: Try to limit your outdoor activity to when it’s coolest, like morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to recover.
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Pace Yourself: Cut down on exercise during the heat.
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Wear Sunscreen: Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool down and can make you dehydrated. If you must go outdoors, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out.
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Do Not Leave Children in Cars: Cars can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures, even with a window cracked open. While anyone left in a parked car is at risk, children and animals are especially at risk of getting a heat stroke or dying.
STAY HYDRATED
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Drink Plenty of Fluids: Drink more fluids, regardless of how active you are. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Stay away from very sugary or alcoholic drinks—these actually cause you to lose more body fluid.
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Replace Salt and Minerals: Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body that need to be replaced. A sports drink can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.
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Watch Others: Make sure your family, friends, neighbors and pets are drinking enough water.
STAY INFORMED
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Check for Updates: Check the news for alerts and call 211 if you need to find a cooling center.
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Monitor People at High Risk: Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children need much more frequent watching.
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Know the Signs: Learn the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to treat them.
LEARN MORE
 Looking to stay cool at the beach? Be sure to stay healthy and prevent recreational water illnesses! LEARN MORE
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