GREENE COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Local emergency officials are encouraging residents to be cautious, and mindful while out and about during the high temperatures of both Thursday and Friday.
Meteorologists are calling for temperatures in the area to reach a high of 93° Thursday, and 99° on Friday. But of course the actual temperature only tells part of the story, for residents who will be outside, the heat index is the more concerning number. WTWO Meteorologist Julie Henricks said during her Thursday morning forecast that the heat index values will reach as high as 110° Thursday, and 107° Friday.
With that in mind, the Greene County Emergency Management Director Roger Axe has let residents know to adjust their lifestyles to compensate for the dangerous heat.
“Adjusting your life style during this heat wave is necessary. In fact, it could save your life,” Axe said.
“All across the nation we are seeing people with heat exposure needing medical treatment and some have died,” Axe added. “Curtailing outdoor activity until the heat wave passes is must especially for persons at risk like those with medical conditions. Let the grass grow and let the lawn go for a week or two, or the grass could be growing over your plot in the cemetery.”
Axe also encouraged hydration, advising folks to drink four ounces of water every half hour for eight hours, and to avoid caffeine drinks like coffee, energy drinks, tea, and cola as caffeine contributes to dehydration.
Power grid disruption is also a concern when temperatures reach this level, so Axe advises residents to be mindful of peak energy consumption hours, and to avoid things like laundry during the daytime. Axe said choosing to eat cold meals or using the microwave rather than the stove can also help remove a strain from the power grid.
Cooling center established and fan giveaway
Axe has also announced that a cooling center will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Bloomfield Thursday in the Bloomfield Community Building located at 498 N. Lincoln Drive near the Bloomfield pool.
Additionally, Axe has announced that the Greene County Health Department has teamed up with the EMA to provide fans to Greene County residents who need them.
The fans will be distributed to senior citizens and those at-risk in a first come, first serve basis at the Greene County Health Department building at 217 E. Spring Street in Bloomfield from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Thursday.
Travel Advisory for Greene County
Lastly, Axe has placed the county under a an “Advisory Level” travel advisory. Axe said the reason for this is that the heat could cause an increased chance of vehicle engines overheating and possible breakdowns.
Axe encouraged anyone who must travel to carry a charged cell phone and additional water should an emergency occur.
As of 11:28 a.m. Greene County was the only county according to the state map under an advisory related to the high temperatures.
