City of Cleveland officials held a press conference this afternoon ahead of a heat wave that is expected to hit the region starting Thursday.
Much of Northeast Ohio will be under an excessive heat watch from noon Friday until 8 p.m. Saturday. While actual temperatures will be in the 90s, heat indexes are expected to reach as high as 112 degrees.
FORECAST: Get ready for a heat wave
Officials from the Cleveland Divisions of EMS, Fire, Police, Animal Care and Control, Public Utilities, Public Works, and Office of Aging spoke. Some of the tips shares included:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine.
- Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothes during hot weather
- Cover your head with a hat and use sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun’s rays
- Keep cool in the shade; if you don’t have air conditioning, visit cool areas like a family resource and recreation center or library on high heat days
- Always check on friends and neighbors, especially those who are seniors or have young children
- Keep an eye on pets: Make sure pets have access to plenty of shade and have plenty of water; be careful when walking pets on asphalt, as sensitive pet paws can be burned on hot surfaces
- Never leave children or pets alone in vehicles
- Recognize the Signs of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke