Editorial: Don’t play with the heat this summer
With temperatures in the mid-90s all week, residents have been taking advantage of the Waterworks Water Park on Winston Lake Road.
Today is the first day of summer, and while you might play in the heat, the heat is not playing. It’s being called dangerous. This is the kind of heat that kills.
Health officials are warning of heat cramps, heat exhaustion and killer heat strokes.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency where the person’s body temperature reaches 106 degrees or higher. A person can become unconscious and needs emergency medical assistance. Heat stroke can be fatal.
The Winston Waterworks water park has opened just in time for some relief from the heat. Many residents can be found there this week.
But we must remember the deadly part of heat.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 600 people in the United States are killed by extreme heat every year. The American Red Cross has steps you can take to help stay safe when the temperatures soar. The Chronicle has tips from the organization on page B2.
While we are making sure we are safe in the heat, don’t forget our loved ones and neighbors during extreme heat.
Are all the air conditioners and fans running properly?
Is there enough water and liquids such as Gatorade for people to hydrate themselves with?
Is everyone informed about emergency numbers and numbers to reach loved ones?
“It’s important to realize that warm weather can be dangerous,” said John Hughes, executive director, American Red Cross Piedmont Triad Chapter.
Yes, deadly dangerous.
