Delmarva Public Media's Don Rush talks with Wicomico Community Health Officer Matthew McConaughey about what is being done and the recommendations for residents.
Cooling centers are opening up around Delmarva. This is Don Rush. The National Weather Service says that the heat index could reach well over 105 degrees. Cooling centers are expected to be open most of the week in Wicomico County. The Wicomico County Civic Center will be available in the afternoons, and the Mac Senior Center will also be open from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Matthew McConaughey, Health Officer for Wicomico County.
“When they come there we'll have a cool location where they can cool off and stay out of the harmful heat of the day. Really, it's just a location for somebody that may not have access to a cool location or maybe their AC went out or possibly homeless elderly or people with children that have been out and need a place. A bit of reprieve from the hot sun. We do have some water available. We have cups here and water fountains available and also a restroom available for them if they need it”, he said.
So, what should people be doing in this kind of heat in order to keep safe?
“Yeah, so making sure they're properly hydrated is a key. 32 ounces of water an hour, making sure they're taking rests at least every hour. Finding shade, a cool place for at least 15 minutes. And then really watching their body if they're noticing any cramps, nausea, faintness, or if they're noticing that they're no longer sweating, those are signs. Cramps, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and that's when they really need to get away from the heat. Either seek medical care or properly cool off”, McConaughey advised.
What do you say to those people who, say, have to be out for at least for a while? What should they be looking at?
“For those that have to be out for a while in a work situation, there's the Maryland Heat Standard and their employer should have standards in place for them. And with the heat indices, they should only be out in the heat for about an hour, and then they're required to have a 15-minute break. For those out gardening or just at home, really, they should avoid being outside between the hours of 12 and four, that's when it's going to be a hottest. And really just making sure that they're taking adequate breaks, not pushing themselves and making sure they stay hydrated and cool”, he responded.
What happens if you suspect, for instance, that someone has suffered from some heat stroke or is certainly being impacted by the heat? What should they be doing for them?
“So, if you are suspecting that somebody may be in some kind of heat illness, you need to take them to a cool place, a damp cloth on the back of the neck, make sure they're adequately hydrated. If they're not conscious or they're losing focus on you, that's a time when you need to get them to emergency care”, he said.
Now a lot of people also have pets. What should they be thinking about there?
“You want to bring your pets indoors, especially with the heat now. Make sure they have access to cool drinking water and provide them with shade”, McConaughey continued.
Do you anticipate that you might have issues for terms with people being overheated, may have to go to the hospital or get picked up and what's your experience been?
“So, when the heat injuries rise, there's always more likelihood of a heat related illnesses and we have our EMS on standby throughout the county and they're aware of what emergency situations would be, especially when heat is a main factor. So, they're ready and prepared to get out there, get people treated and, if they need to, to get them to the hospital”, he finished.
Matthew McConaughey, Wicomico County Health Officer. Meanwhile, in Somerset County, the Princess Anne and Crisfield libraries will be open and to the north in Sussex County, the Greenwood, Milton and South Coastal libraries will be open, as well as the county administrative office in Georgetown. This is Don Rush for Delmarva Public Media.
