Medical Advisor Warns Residents to Take Precautions During Heat Wave

With the recent hot weather hovering around 100 degrees in the past few days, Delaware County Council issued out an alert for residents to take extra precautions during a heat wave, and to check in with elderly family members and neighbors who are at greater risk for heat-related illnesses during a heat alert.

The National Weather Service (NWS) issued an excessive heat warning that lasted until Thursday. , said hot temperatures and high humidity can create a dangerous situation in which heat illnesses can occur. He said the elderly, those with chronic health conditions, pregnant women and children are at greatest risk.

“Hot weather can cause heat stroke and exacerbate chronic medical conditions, and may lead to severe complications,” Avetian said.

It is recommended that people stay in air-conditioned buildings, schedule strenuous work activity for the morning or late evening, know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and drink plenty of fluids. Avetian also advises families to have a support network to check on at-risk members.

The County Office of Services of the Aging (COSA) has a Heat Plan for the county that includes a Heat Information Line, extended hours at senior centers, and educational information on heat safety tips, dehydration, and safe use of fans. COSA also has fans available for seniors who need them.

You can contact the COSA Heat Information Line at (610) 872-1558, which is a 24-hour phone service that typically runs from June 1 through September 30, providing residents with heat advisory updates and information. However, COSA enacted the Heat Line Thursday in response to the recent heat advisory.

People who need additional assistance can contact the COSA Information and Assistance service at (610) 490-1300.

“When the weather service issues an excessive heat warning, it’s important for our elderly residents to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses,” said County Council Chairman Jack Whelan. “People who are 65 and older are vulnerable to heat-related illnesses and we ask that residents check on their elderly family members and neighbors.”

The National Weather Service describes a heat wave as three or more days when the temperature is 90 degrees or higher.

Councilman Whelan also urges residents to register for Delco Alert, an emergency notification system where they will receive free emergency alerts including heat alerts on their cell phones and via email. People can register through the County  website at www.co.delaware.pa.us.

Whelan said the Delaware County Heat Plan calls for senior centers and adult day care centers to extend their hours, to offer water and non-caffeinated beverages throughout the day, and to reinforce with service-provider drivers to check on consumers.

Care managers are asked to identify “at risk” consumers who are homebound, living alone or have a prior history of inadequate cooling in their home.

When the elderly and chronically ill don’t have protection from the heat, such as air-conditioning and plenty of fluids, they can develop serious health effects.

COSA offers the following heat safety tips: drink plenty of fluids (in consultation with your physician regarding medication and fluids); wear lightweight clothing; stay indoors or seek relief at a senior center, mall or friend’s house who has air-conditioning; and avoid strenuous activity. People should limit alcohol or beverages containing caffeine.

It is particularly important for seniors to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Common symptoms of dehydration are headache, dry skin, light-headedness, nausea and fast heartbeat.

It is especially important for young children and older adults as well as people who have heart and breathing problems or are on certain medications, to pay close attention to what they are doing and how they feel during hot and humid weather.