By Auggie Brown
Glasgow News 1
Glasgow remains under an extreme heat warning until Friday at 8 p.m., and local officials are urging residents to take extra precautions for vulnerable people, outdoor workers and pets. The warning covers a stretch of days with high temperatures that could affect Fourth of July plans, as more people gather outdoors for celebrations and fireworks.
Marcus Thurman, deputy director of emergency management, said older adults are of the most concern during periods of extreme heat. He said anyone working outside is also at a heightened risk. Thurman advised that people who spend time outdoors should drink between three-quarters and one gallon of water a day. He also recommended taking in electrolytes by drinking sports drinks in addition to water to help the body cope with high temperatures. Residents are urged to check on elderly neighbors, friends and family members who may not have air conditioning or may be reluctant to seek help.
For pets, Robin Crane, vice president of the Barren River Animal Welfare Association, said extreme heat can be especially dangerous. Crane said animals should never be left in vehicles, even for what may seem like a quick trip inside a store. She noted that pets are already wearing a fur coat, and a closed vehicle can heat up quickly enough to cause heat stroke and lasting physical damage. Crane recommended keeping pets in cool environments with a fan or air conditioning whenever possible. She said dogs and cats should have access to plenty of fresh, cool water at all times, and many animals will go outside briefly and then want to return indoors.
If a pet shows signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, Crane said owners should begin cooling them right away. She suggested using cool washcloths on the animal’s face, head, under the legs and in the groin area to bring down body temperature while contacting a veterinarian. Crane added that dogs tend to be more susceptible to heat than cats, which often hide and seek out cooler spots on their own, and that heavy panting in dogs is a sign they are working hard to cool themselves.
Key Facts
– Glasgow is under an extreme heat warning until Friday at 8 p.m.
– The heat coincides with upcoming Fourth of July activities.
– Emergency management officials say older adults and outdoor workers are most at risk.
– Residents spending time outside are urged to drink three-quarters to one gallon of water daily.
– Sports drinks or other electrolytes are recommended along with water.
– Pets should never be left in vehicles, even for a few minutes.
– Animal welfare officials say pets need cool environments and plenty of fresh water.
– Pet owners should cool overheated animals and contact a veterinarian immediately.
