The heat continues throughout this week with peak heat indexes reaching 105 through 110 through the mid-week as the Fourth of July celebrations begin. Keeping cool is especially important, the National Weather Service says. Preparations for dealing with that heat vary across Central Florida.
A strong high pressure building over the southeast U.S. will result in afternoon temperatures remaining above normal. “Widespread low to mid 90s are forecast,” the NWS Sunday report said. “Visitors not acclimated to Florida`s summer heat and humidity should especially consider taking precautions to prevent heat illness.”
During a heat wave, those working outdoors, children or the elderly are most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat strokes, according to the NWS. To stay safe, reduce, reschedule or eliminate strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day.
Other tips: Drink lots of fluids, use an air conditioner and never direct the flow of portable electric fans toward yourself when room temperature is hotter than 90 degrees, as the dry blowing air will dehydrate you faster.
In Orange County, the Office of Emergency Management is in constant contact with the National Weather Service in Melbourne regarding the dangerously hot weather expected, county spokesperson Kelly Finkelstein said in an email.
For those seeking shelter during the heat, the Homeless Services Network of Central Florida has been in in contact with local nonprofit organizations to provide cooling places and the Christian Service Center in downtown Orlando will be open with ice, refreshments, and cool areas, Finkelstein said. Every nursing home and assisted living facility in Orange County has a comprehensive emergency plan to handle air conditioning or power failures, she added.
Each facility has a plan in place which is verified and reviewed by the office to maintain operations or evacuate if necessary, Finkelstein said.
Seminole County officials on Tuesday activated an extreme weather plan, which includes relief centers such as libraries and other indoor county facilities for people who lack access to air-conditioning.
In Osceola County, the Osceola Council on Aging is providing indoor space and bottled water at 700 Generation Point in Kissimmee.
