From Fairfax County:
Hot Weekend Temperatures Forecasted
Stay Safe and Cool With These Tips
The record-breaking heat wave will continue into the weekend, with temperatures on Saturday in the triple digits and a forecasted heat index of about 115⁰ F.
The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will combine to create a situation in which heat illnesses are possible. The Fairfax County Health Department encourages residents to take these steps to stay safe and comfortable during these hot summer days.
Reduce/Alter Outdoor Activities
Children, the elderly and individuals with heart or respiratory ailments, emphysema, asthma or chronic bronchitis should reduce outdoor activities.
- Healthy individuals should limit strenuous outdoor work or exercise and should limit their outdoor activities.
- To reduce risk during outdoor work, schedule frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments.
- Reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
- Approximately 300 homes in Fairfax County remain without power. Consider visiting a friend or a public place such as a mall or library to keep cool. Most county RECenters are open so you can beat the heat, shower and recharge your cellphones, medical devices and other electronic devices.
- Stay Hydrated
- Drink plenty of fluids: Drink two to four glasses of cool fluids each hour if you are in a hot environment. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Do not drink caffeinated or alcoholic beverages because they dehydrate the body.
- More heat safety tips.
Preserve Air Quality
The past week has been filled with Code Orange air quality days when pollution levels are harmful to children and anyone with breathing or heart conditions. More air quality alert days may be on the way.
- Limit driving and when possible, combine trips, telework, carpool or use mass transit, including Fairfax Connector.
- Refuel vehicles after dusk and limit idling.
- Avoid mowing lawns with gasoline-powered motors.
- Don’t use chemicals on your lawn and gardens.
- Put off painting until air quality improves.
- Learn more about air quality and check daily and three-day forecasts.
Conservation
The high temperatures are likely to stress utility systems this weekend. Help everyone out by conserving power:
- Turn off lights and electronics when not in use.
- Keep air conditioning no lower than 78 degrees.
- More energy saving information.
Extra Care for Children
Even when the temperatures are at their hottest, kids rarely slow down. Be sure to plan ahead and alter activities to keep children safe and comfortable.
- Never leave children in a car – not even for a few minutes.
- Plan activities to keep kids active and occupied indoors.
- Keep your children hydrated.
- Dress your child appropriately, in light-weight, light-colored clothing.
- Apply sunscreen to your children when they will be outdoors.
Keep Pets Safe
- Never leave pets in a parked car. On a warm day, temperatures can rapidly rise to dangerous levels. If you see an animal in distress in a parked car, contact police.
- Shade and water are vital to pets.
- Limit exercise on hot days. Take care to adjust intensity and duration of exercise. Watch for shortness of breath.
- Remember that asphalt gets very hot and can burn paws; walk your dog on the grass if possible.
- Signs that your pet may need further attention.
Be Prepared
The weekend may see additional thunderstorms, so be prepared in case your power goes out again.
- Develop an emergency plan based on our local weather hazards and practice how and where to take shelter.
- Create or refresh an emergency kit for needed food, supplies and medication.
- Learn what you can do to strengthen your home or business against severe weather.
- Understand the weather warning system.
- More tips on preparedness.
