Don't let the heat get you down

Jackson County is expected to bake again today, prompting health officials to urge residents to be careful when working or playing outdoors.

With temperatures near 90 and high humidity levels, the air can feel as though the temperature is anywhere from 100 to 105 degrees, officials said.

And Indiana Department of Environmental Management has issued an ozone alert for Jackson and some other counties today.

National Weather Service observer Ruth Everhart of Rockford said the high in Seymour Tuesday topped out at 87 degrees. Monday's high was 86.

"I encourage all Hoosiers to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves during these hot summer days," state health commissioner Dr. Judy Monroe said.

When temperatures hit 90 degrees or greater, health officials caution that overexposure to the heat can be a concern.

Young children and the elderly are at greater risk for such heat-related illnesses as heat stroke or heat exhaustion, health officials said.

Children should never be left in parked cars, even with windows cracked open.

Ellen Mirer of the local Humane Society said the same goes for dogs and other pets.

"Never leave your pet in your car unattended, even if the windows are left down," Mirer said Tuesday night. "Cars heat up really fast."

Heat cramps are muscular pains in the abdomen, legs and arms that occur from strenuous activity and increased sweating.

Heat exhaustion can develop after several days of high temperatures and low fluid intake.

Heat stroke, also known as sunstroke or hyperthermia, is a life-threatening situation in which the body is unable to regulate its temperature and cannot cool itself down.

Residents are also encouraged to make sure their pets have shade and plenty of fresh water.

"It needs to be in a stable location that the dog has access to all of the time, and it needs to be fresh water and a lot of it," Mirer said.

She also stressed the need to supply enough shade for dogs, noting that Seymour's city ordinance governing the keeping of dogs outside includes language about adequate shade.

Don't over-exercise your dog on hot days, Mirer said, adding people who shave their pets should protect them against sunburn.