Heat alert: Drive slower, drink plenty of fluids and spend time indoors | News, Sports, Jobs

Karen Fisher of Orwell in southern Ashtabula County (right) enjoys the fountain at Fellows Riverside Gardens on Monday afternoon while her son Tobias Popik (far left) plays in the water with his girlfriend Gabriella Jones of Rome, also in Ashtabula County. The temperature in Youngstown reached just above 30 degrees on Monday afternoon before heavy rain fell around 3 p.m., dropping the temperature by about 10 degrees.

The American Red Cross wants Mahoning Valley residents to stay safe during this week’s extreme heat.

With daytime highs of over 80 degrees expected throughout the week, Jim McIntyre, regional communications director for the Red Cross, said, “The American Red Cross recommends three steps to stay safe in extreme heat: walk slower, stay hydrated and spend time indoors.”

To “slow down,” Red Cross officials recommend avoiding or postponing outdoor activities.

“If you must work outdoors, take frequent breaks and avoid the hottest times of the day. Never leave children or pets alone in your vehicle,” McIntyre said in an email.

The Red Cross recommends drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated. Sugary, caffeinated or alcoholic beverages should also be avoided.

McIntyre also said those who don’t have air conditioning in their homes could go to a public library, mall or cooling center. Newton Falls and Lordstown village officials announced Monday that they will open their administrative buildings as cooling centers.

McIntyre also warned of the impact the heatwave could have on health.

“In hot weather, people can get sick due to heat and it is important to act quickly,” he said. “Heat illness can be prevented and the Red Cross recommends learning the warning signs and knowing how to help so you can respond quickly.”

Older people, very young people, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses are at higher risk of developing heat-related illnesses.

The Red Cross points out heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, among other things.

McIntyre also said pet owners need to take steps to protect their animals from the heat.

Jason Cooke, president of Healthy Hearts and Paws, said dog owners should try to limit the time their dog spends outside.

“What we do here at the shelter is we let them out super early in the morning and then later in the evening and try to avoid the daytime temperatures that are well above 90 degrees,” Cooke said.

He said that at Healthy Hearts and Paws, the dogs are not walked on the sidewalk, but under trees and other shady areas.

He advised pet owners to learn about the possible signs of heat stroke in their pet and consult their veterinarian for more information.

Cooke also said Mahoning Valley residents should never leave their pets unattended in their car, especially during a heat wave like this.

“These vehicles heat up extremely quickly; it can be very dangerous,” Cooke said.

“Do not leave your dogs in the car, even if the engine is running, because vehicles shut down. Relying on your car to keep running and provide air conditioning to your pets to keep them safe could end in disaster.”

Cooke said that while the shelter does not advocate keeping pets outside, if they do, owners should provide them with shade, shelter and fresh cold water at all times.

Do you have an interesting story? Contact Mason Cole by email at [email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @masoncoletrib.