COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Fourth of July in Missouri might be hotter than a firecracker this year, according to University of Missouri Extension state climatologist Zachary Leasor.
The heat wave is forecast to blanket the state with highs in the upper 90s or even the low triple digits, according to the National Weather Service. Thunderstorms and humidity may add more discomfort with high heat index values.
As families gather to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary, it is important to take precautions, says MU Extension state health and safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch. She offers these tips:
Hydrate. Pack for the heat, says Funkenbusch. Fill coolers with plenty of water and ice and encourage partygoers to fill up on water rather than caffeine or alcohol. Pack wet wipes or wash rags to wet for relief. Eat light meals at regular intervals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed by a physician.
Take breaks. Shelter in air-conditioned buildings or under shade trees as needed. Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing. Protect your face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply every two hours.
Handwashing. Always wash your hands before cooking or eating to prevent foodborne illness.
Pet patrol. Protect pets from the heat by keeping them off asphalt and concrete. Watch for signs of stress such as heavy panting and lethargy, and never leave pets or children in vehicles, even for short periods.
Watch the forecast. Storms can arise quickly, so install an app on your phone to keep current.
Travel safely. If your holiday plans include travel, plan ahead to know where the emergency shelters and cooling centers are. Be a good guest by knowing the local rules for fireworks.
Be a good neighbor. Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and spend much of their time alone.
The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) gives tips on how to prepare for extreme heat in your home:
- Install window air conditioners snugly; insulate spaces around the air condition for a tighter fit, if necessary. Weather strip doors and sills to keep cool air in.
- Change or clean your air-conditioning filter monthly.
- Install temporary reflectors (such as foil-covered cardboard) between windows and drapes to reflect heat back outside.
- Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers.
If your home is not air-conditioned:
- Open all windows early in the morning to get rid of heat and help cool the home.
- Keep the house closed during the hottest part of the day. Check indoor and outdoor thermometers to make sure that the indoor temperature is still cooler than outside. Later, open the house so the cooler night air can lower inside temperatures.
- Use floor and ceiling fans as much as possible to circulate a cooling breeze. Also use window fans if not using air conditioning.
- Sleep in a cooler part of the residence, such as lower floors or the basement.
- Take showers and baths early in the morning or late at night.
- Use appliances and equipment that give off heat (iron, light bulbs, clothes dryer, hair dryer, etc.) only as needed, and limit use to the early morning or at night, not during the middle of the day.
- If the residence becomes too warm, try to be in a cooler place during the hottest part of the day – a friend’s or neighbor’s home, a cooling center, senior center, shopping mall or library.
More information
- Direct assistance resources for Missourians (SEMA): https://sema.dps.mo.gov/plan_and_prepare/heat_wave.php
- National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center: https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov
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