'Protect yourself': With sweltering heat wave on way for region, emergency officials urge safety
The heat wave will bring temperatures as high as 93 degrees Fahrenheit through Tuesday in Johnstown, and just a few degrees less than that in Somerset, according to National Weather Service forecasts.
Factoring in humidity and the region's recent wet, chilly weather, it will feel even hotter, NWS meteorologist Michael Colbert said. That could create trouble if people aren't careful in western Pennsylvania, he said.
'Certainly we're not acclimated to this heat, given how wet it has been,' Colbert said.
The weather will likely mean plenty of sunshine, but also dangerous heat and UV radiation levels, he added.
More than 700 people die from heat-related illnesses every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Safety tips
Local emergency officials urged residents to avoid the worst of the heat – and to take precautions to stay safe through the sweltering stretch.
'Knowing what to do to protect yourself and loved ones from extreme heat can save lives,' said Jorge Martinez, CEO of the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania.
In a telephone interview Friday, Somerset County Emergency Management Director Joel Landis echoed Martinez's message. He said the main thing people can do is stay indoors and avoid too much sun exposure.
People who don't have adequate means to keep their homes cool, such as air conditioning, should find somewhere that does, Landis advised.
Somerset County will use its six senior centers as public 'cooling centers' daily while high temperatures persist. They will operate from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Cambria County's nine senior activities centers will also be open to the public if needed next week, Cambria County Emergency Management Agency Director Tom Davis said.
'If anyone needs to get out of the heat, regardless of their age ... they can go to our senior centers,' Davis said.
Davis and Landis said emergency management officials will be monitoring the situation as temperatures rise and needs potentially become apparent. If additional cooling centers need to be opened, steps will be taken, Davis said.
For those who do go outdoors, find shady areas or cool off at a pool – but limit periods of outdoor exposure, Colbert advised. He reminded people to apply sunscreen regularly and to wear a hat and light, loose, breathable clothing.
The American Red Cross advises people to drink at least a glass of water every hour to stay hydrated.
'If outages occur'
Davis said communication will also be ongoing with Cambria County's hospitals, which may also be needed if dehydration and heat exhaustion cases become an issue.
Landis said Somerset County emergency management officials will be monitoring locations that could need support if power outages occur, such as personal care homes or hospitals.
'If outages occur, we'll be ready to assist those facilities with whatever resources we have,' Landis said.
The key message to the region's communities was for people to look after one another. Check in on neighbors and loved ones who might be susceptible to the heat, Landis and Davis advised. Red Cross officials agreed.
'We're asking everyone to check on friends and neighbors, especially older adults, people with chronic conditions, outdoor workers and athletes,' Martinez said. 'You could make all the difference by sending a text, making a call or knocking on their door.'
People were also reminded to never leave children or pets alone in parked cars, which can become extremely hot in a short amount of time.
Colbert said people should also avoid over-exerting themselves, and urged people to consider avoiding the hottest period of the day to tackle outdoor projects.
'If any community needs arise, call 911,' Davis said.
Colbert said the temperatures will surge due to an expansive high-pressure system that will trap hot air over the eastern U.S. It will bring drier air and a likely break from the recent stormy system, but also potentially record-setting temperatures, forecasters added.
Colbert said conditions will likely improve after Wednesday as chances for cooler conditions and rain increase.
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