By Diane M. Moore
When you hear the phrase, “It’s hotter than blue blazes,†chances are it is a scorcher outside. Blue flames reach temperatures between 2,600 and 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and although the temps aren’t quite at that level, they have hovered in the high 90s and 100s over the past few weeks, leaving residents sweltering.
The National Weather Service in Tallahassee has issued Heat Advisories and Excessive Heat Warnings throughout the Panhandle today, August 23 with heat indices above 108 and 113 degrees. Warnings like these have become frequent throughout the day over the past few weeks.
With temperatures that high, practicing heat safety to protect yourself and your family is of top priority to prevent heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
Here are some ways to help avoid any type of heat illness:
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids like water. Adding lemon and sugar will help to reduce body heat. Coconut water and aloe are also hydrating. Foods such as watermelon and cucumber can be useful in cooling you off. Avoiding alcohol and energy drinks are key in staying hydrated as caffeine contributes to dehydration. Hot, heavy meals add heat to your body. Remember to eat light.
Other ways to help stay cool include wearing appropriate clothing that is lightweight and loose-fitting. Stay indoors as much as possible. Take a cool shower or bath and enjoy the air-conditioning.
If you must go outdoors, try to limit activities to when the temps are at their coolest, in the morning or evening. Make use of shaded areas to aid in your body recovering from heat.
Remember to pace yourself, especially if you are not used to working in extreme heat. Wear sunscreen as sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool down and can cause dehydration.
Be mindful of pets and the elderly.
Older adults do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature. They are more likely to have a chronic medical condition that changes normal body responses to heat and are more likely to take prescription medicines that affect the body’s ability to control its temperature or sweat. Keep a close eye on those in your care by visiting them at least twice a day, and ask yourself these questions:
- Are they drinking enough water?
- Do they have access to air conditioning?
- Do they know how to keep cool?
- Do they show any signs of heat stress?
NWS Tallahassee forecast for August 24-26: Thursday has a high of 98 and a low of 73. Friday has a high of 102 and a low of 76. Saturday has a high of 104 and a low of 77.
SOURCE: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Staff Report 
Jim Saunders