Kansas State University Southwind Extension District Agents hosted an Open House in Yates Center on Thursday, June 28 as Woodson County joins Allen, Bourbon and Neosho Counties in the Extension District.
Agents pictured include Joy Miller, Krista Harding, Carla Nemecek, Christopher Petty, Jennifer Terrell, Dale Lanham, Barbara Stockebrand and Kathy McEwan.
CITY OF FORT SCOTT
CITY COMMISSION MEETING
The regular meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission was held June 19th, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Commission Room, 123 S. Main, Fort Scott, Kansas.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioners Adamson, Nichols, and Parker were present with President of the City Commission, Bartelsmeyer, presiding. Mayor Mitchell was absent.
INVOCATION: Pastor Steve Cole, First United Methodist Church, said a prayer asking God for guidance for the City and all government and City officials.
AUDIENCE IN ATTENDANCE: Janet Braun, Denton Wescoat, Steve Cole, Bobby Duncan, Alyssa Rice, Deb Needleman, Kenny Howard, Darrell Parker, Kaylea Manwiller, Spenser Johnson, Rachel Pruitt, Kenny Howard, Rhonda Dunn, Travis Shelton, Lynne Oharah, Lindsay Madison, Rhonda Dunn, Steve Buerge, Jana Walker, Paul Ballou, Clayton Miller, and Jason Silvers, representing the Fort Scott Tribune.
PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND APPROPRIATIONS/CONSENT AGENDA:
Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of June 5th, 2018.
Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1217-A totaling $309,518.34.
Fireworks Waiver – July 4th, 2018
Parade Permit – Burke Street Parade – July 4th, 2018
Cereal Malt Beverage Application – Lady Elks Lodge #579 – June 23rd, 2018 – Briggs Car Show
Parker moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED CONSENT AGENDA.
APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
APPEARANCE: Jana Walker – Closure of Burke Street – Jana Walker appeared before the Commission to request Burke Street be closed on July 4th from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 a.m. from 10th and Burke to Lakin Drive. They plan to have a big block neighborhood party. She has visited with Chief Shelton, Chad Brown and also the City Manager about this. They plan to have activities all day after the parade in the morning and then a cookout in the early evening and ending with fireworks.
City Manager asked the Commission to allow City staff to work with the organizers to close the needed streets for this event.
Nichols moved to approve the closure of Burke Street and allow City staff to work with the organizers to close any other needed streets on July 4th, 2018 from 10th and Burke to Lakin Drive from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.
approveD the closure of Burke Street AND allow City staff to work with the organizers to close any other needed streets on July 4th, 2018 from 10th and Burke to Lakin Drive from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 A.m.
B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute
limit per citizen) – Bobby Dennis – Mr. Dennis appeared to speak on behalf of the Beaux Arts Center and the code footprint and the closing of the business which they chose to do. He asked the City to retract the code footprint which was not needed.
City Manager said that the City did not close the business or shut them down. The City has been willing to work with them. The City will not retract the code footprint.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Parker moved to open the Public Hearing at 6:22 p.m. Nichols seconded. Motion carried.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:22 P.M.
6:15 p.m. Resolution 30-2018 directing the repair or removal of an unsafe and dangerous structure and accessory structure located at 211 N. Lincoln Street – Rhonda Dunn, Code Director, informed the Commission that this structure has had a fire in it in the past. The property owner has been very cooperative and informed her that they are not able to make repairs to the structure. The house has significant termite damage. There has been no water to this structure since February 2016 and the house is vacant. She recommended allowing 30 days to repair or remove this structure.
Nichols moved to approve Resolution No. 30-2018 authorizing this structure be repaired or removed in 10 days. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 30-2018 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 211 N. LINCOLN STREET. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY JULY 6TH, 2018 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.
6:15 p.m. Resolution 26-2018 directing the repair or removal of an unsafe and dangerous structure located at 1306 E. Wall Street – Rhonda Dunn, Code Director, informed the Commission that this property was on a contract to sell from the owner to another person. That person attempted to put a roof on the structure. The back of the structure is in bad condition and the roof in the back is in disrepair. The eves and soffits on the house are in disrepair. The back yard is a mess and if this structure is removed the mess that was left will be cleaned up also.
Adamson moved to approve Resolution No. 26-2018 authorizing this structure be repaired or removed in 30 days. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED RESOLUTION NO. 26-2018 DIRECTING THE REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF AN UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS STRUCTURE LOCATED AT 1306 E. WALL STREET. STRUCTURE MUST BE BROUGHT UP TO 2012 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE BY JULY 27TH, 2018 OR DEMOLITION PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN.
Bartelsmeyer moved to close the Public Hearing at 6:27 p.m. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING AT 6:27 P.M.
CONSIDERATION:
Consideration of placing stone at Heritage Park in front of rose garden in memory of Dola Cress – Lindsay Madison, Executive Director, Fort Scott Area Chamber of Commerce, informed the Commission that back in 2007 the Bourbon County Garden Club recognized community member Dola Cress for her years of service in leading the PRIDE organization in Fort Scott and other community volunteer efforts. This recognition was done thought a wooden marker that was staked in the flower bed area at Heritage Park, located at 1st and Main dedicating the rose bushes in her name. It was noted a few years ago that this marker was missing. A metal plaque was then engraved with the following: In honor of PRIDE – Community – Dola’s Rose Garden – Dedicated 2007 – Dola Cress. Dola and her daughter were not pleased with the metal plaque and further asked if they could have her name etched in the limestone at the park with Geneva & Sons doing the etching work which would be paid for by Dola’s daughter.
City Manager cautioned the Commission that they could be setting a precedence with other individuals wanting the etching in limestone there also.
Commissioner Bartelsmeyer said that she has seen some really nice brass plaques.
City Manager asked for approval for he and Lindsay Madison to work together to find a nice plaque to place in the rose garden area.
Bartelsmeyer moved to authorize the City Manager and Lindsay Madison to work together to find a nice plaque for the rose garden area. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
authorizeD the City Manager and Lindsay Madison TO work together to find a nice plaque for the rose garden area.
Consideration of appointment – Fort Scott Housing Authority Board – Diane Clay, City Clerk, informed the Commission that two letters of interest were received for the open position vacated by Dan Meara on the Housing Authority Board. Darrell Parker and Deborah Apfel both submitted letters of interest. These letters were sent to the Housing Authority and they have recommended the appointment of Darrell Parker to this position.
Nichols moved to approve to appoint Darrell Parker to the Fort Scott Housing Authority Board. Adamson seconded. Adamson, Nichols and Bartelsmeyer voted aye. Parker abstained. Motion carried.
APPROVED TO APPOINT DARRELL PARKER TO THE FORT SCOTT HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD TO REPLACE THE VACATED POSITION OF DANIEL MEARA.
Consideration of OCR Letter – City Manager said that he has been working with Bob Beckham, Superintendent, U.S.D. 234 on the Title 9 complaint. Mr. Beckham needs to send some documentation to the State. This letter, compiled by the City Attorney, states that the City has no plans to building a club house or dressing room at this time at Fisher Park as there are no funds available for this. The City is not involved in the Title 9 complaint.
Parker moved to approve the OCR letter to USD 234. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED OCR LETTER TO USD 234.
Consideration of approval of AWOS upgrade grant from K.D.O.T. for Airport – Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, along with Kenny Howard, Airport Director, informed the Commission that the City has received a grant from K.D.O.T. for AWOS upgrades at the Airport in the amount of $109,060. There is a 10% match from the City which would amount to $12,118. This is a budgeted item.
Kenny stated that the AWOS upgrade is badly needed at the Airport as the current system is about 19 years old.
Parker moved to approve the K.D.O.T. grant in the amount of $109,600 for the AWOS upgrades at the Airport with the City match being $12,118.00. Adamson seconded. All voted aye.
approved the K.D.O.T. grant in the amount of $109,600 for the AWOS upgrades at the Airport with the City match being $12,118.00.
Consideration of approval of PAPI & REIL grant from K.D.O.T. for Airport – Rachel Pruitt, Economic Development Director, along with Kenny Howard, Airport Director, informed the Commission that the City received a K.D.O.T. grant for the PAPI & REIL upgrades at the Airport in the amount of $177,462. The City match is $19,718. The PAPI and REIL is runway lighting.
Discussion was held regarding the expansion of the Airport and how this lighting would be affected.
Kenny stated that the grant can be delayed if the expansion occurs.
Rachel stated that she is applying for another grant for the expansion in July.
Nichols moved to approve the PAPI and REIL runway lighting grant in the amount of $177,462 with the City match being $19,718 for the Airport. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.
approveD the PAPI and REIL runway lighting K.D.O.T. grant in the amount of $177,462 with the City match being $19,718 for the Airport.
Consideration of Change Order #1 – Regional Tourism Center – $1,315.00 – Rachel Pruitt, informed the Commission that this change order is for an additional $1,315.00 which is due to an additional piece of countertop, the unexpected stripping of wallpaper and skimming the wall and power sanding. Approval was recommended.
Adamson moved to approve the Change Order #1 in the amount of $1,315.00 to Great Expectations. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED CHANGE ORDER #1 IN THE ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF $1,315.00 TO GREAT EXPECTATIONS.
Consideration of Land Bank Ordinance No. 3535 adoption
Appointment of Land Bank Manager
Approval of Establishment of Land Bank Board of Trustees
Rhonda Dunn, Community Development Director, informed the Commission that she is seeking approval of the Ordinance to adopt the Land Bank. She told them that the Land Bank is a special purpose governmental entity that focuses on the conversion of vacant, abandoned, tax delinquent, and foreclosed properties into productive use. There are currently 11 land banks in Kansas. She explained the goals and strategies of a land bank. She explained reasons why a land bank can be effective. She checked with the City’s insurance carrier, KCAMP, and said that if the City moves forward with the establishment of the Land Bank, the Land Bank does not need to be insured separately from the City. She asked the City Commission to approve the Ordinance adopting the Land Bank, authorize the City Manager to appoint a Land Bank Manager, and approve the organization of the Land Bank Board of Trustees which is seven members. She recommended the City Commission serve as the Land Bank Board of Trustees and that their terms run consecutively with their terms of office. She also recommended a representative from Bourbon County Board of Commissioners, and a representative from Bourbon County Economic Development Council, Inc.
Nichols moved to approve the adoption of Ordinance No. 3535 creating a Land Bank for the City of Fort Scott, approving the Land Bank Manager as Rhonda Dunn, and approving the Land Bank Board of Trustees as the five City Commissioners along with a representation of the Bourbon County Board of Commissioners and a representative from Bourbon County Economic Development Council, Inc. Parker seconded. All voted aye.
approveD the adoption of Ordinance No. 3535 creating a Land Bank for the City of Fort Scott, approving the Land Bank Manager as Rhonda Dunn, and approving the Land Bank Board of Trustees as the five City Commissioners along with a representation of the Bourbon County Board of Commissioners and a representative from Bourbon County Economic Development Council, Inc.
APPROVED ORDINANCE NO. 3535 CREATING ARTICLE 14 OF THE FORT SCOTT MUNICIPAL CODE FOR THE PURPOSE OF CREATING THE FORT SCOTT LAND BANK, AND DETERMINING THE MEMBERSHIP, DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE FORT SCOTT LAND BANK.
8. Consideration of changing FSA (Flexible Spending Account) vendor – Deb Needleman, Human Resource Director, informed the Commission that the current vendor for the City’s flexible spending account is TASC and the cost is $5.99 per participant per month plus a $169.00 annual renewal fee. She proposed that the City change to HelloFurther who has a relationship with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas. This would streamline our process by having the FSA and HAS with the same vendor. The price would drop to $4.50 per participant per month with no annual renewal fee or set up charge. This change in vendor would save the City $619.00 per year.
Adamson approved to change the flexible spending account vendor from TASC to HelloFurther saving the City $619.00 per year. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO CHANGE THE FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT VENDOR TO HELLOFURTHER SAVING THE CITY $619.00 PER YEAR.
COMMISSION/STAFF:
Director Updates: Jon Garrison – Mr. Garrison gave a preliminary budget update for the 2019 budget. He relayed the increase in costs in KPERS and KP&F benefits and the Work Comp increased expense. There is a 3% increase currently budgeted for employee salaries. There are two big projects coming up: River Intake Structure which will cost approximately $5,000,000 and the purchase of two fire trucks – an aerial ladder truck and the pumper truck which will amount to approximately $1,500,000. He is looking to have a budget work session before the July 17th City Commission meeting with the 2019 budget being approved at the August 7th, 2018 meeting.
B. City Commission:
Adamson – Nothing to report.
Bartelsmeyer – Nothing to report.
Nichols – Nothing to report.
Parker – Nothing to report.
Mitchell – Not present.
C. City Attorney: Nothing to report.
Director of Finance: Nothing to report.
City Manager:
City Manager informed the Commission that U.S.D. 234 school will begin on August 23rd, 2018. He asked the Commission to approve the closing of the Aquatic Center on August 12th.
Parker moved to close the Aquatic Center for the summer on August 12th, 2018. Bartelsmeyer seconded. All voted aye.
APPROVED TO CLOSE THE AQUATIC CENTER FOR THE SUMMER ON AUGUST 12TH, 2018.
Unemployment rate – City Manager stated that our unemployment rate is currently 3.8%. There are only 271 people not employed.
Project List – Rachel Pruitt gave the Commissioners a project list of all the completed projects that have been completed through June 13th, 2018.
ADJOURNMENT:
Parker moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:27 p.m. Nichols seconded. All voted aye.
ADJOURNED MEETING AT 7:27 P.M.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is to be held on July 3rd, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.
RECORDED BY:
____________________
DIANE K. CLAY
Fort Scott City Commission will meet July 3 at 6 p.m. in the commission room at city hall, 123 S. Main.
I. ROLL CALL:
ADAMSON BARTELSMEYER NICHOLS PARKER MITCHELL
II. FLAG SALUTE
III. INVOCATION: Michael Mix, Public Utilities Director
IV. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS: None
V. CONSENT AGENDA:
Approval of minutes of the regular meeting of June 19th, 2018.
Approval of Appropriation Ordinance 1218-A totaling $776,247.88.
VI. APPEARANCE/COMMENTS/PUBLIC HEARING:
APPEARANCE:
B. CITIZEN COMMENTS (Concerning Items Not on Agenda – 3 minute limit per citizen)
C. PUBLIC HEARINGS/COMMENTS: None
VII. CONSIDERATION:
VIII. COMMENTS:
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
I MOVE THAT THE CITY COMMISSION RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE
SESSION FOR ________________________________ IN ORDER TO
(see below justification)
DISCUSS ______________________________________. THE
EXECUTIVE SESSION WILL BE ___________ MINUTES AND THE OPEN
MEETING TO RESUME AT ________________.
Justifications for Executive Sessions:
Personnel matters of non-elected personnel
Consultation with an attorney for the body or agency which would be deemed privileged in the attorney-client relationship
Matters relating to employer-employee negotiations whether or not in consultation with the representative or representatives of the body or agency
Confidential data relating to financial affairs or trade secrets of corporations, partnerships, trusts and individual proprietorships
Preliminary discussions relating to the acquisition of real property
X. MOTION FOR ADJOURNMENT: ROLL CALL
The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office daily reports can best be viewed on a computer.
The office can be reached at (620) 223-2380.
Poultry Testing for the Bourbon County Fair
There is a change to the procedure if you want to exhibit poultry at the 2018 Bourbon County Fair.
This change affects both 4-H and Open Class participants. All poultry animals (excluding waterfowl and pigeons which may be potentially shown either in 4-H or open class, must be pullorum disease tested prior to the fair. Testing will take place on Friday, June 29 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Bourbon County Fairgrounds.
Only birds tested at this event will be allowed to exhibit at the Bourbon County Fair.
Pullorum disease is a somewhat rare disease, caused by bacteria, but easily spread from one bird to another.
The testing procedure itself is not new, but the testing date and time, (now prior to the fair) is. This change is due to the high cost and limited availability of the testing antigen.
A federal veterinarian will be on hand to test birds free of charge at this event.
You will receive paperwork at this testing event which must be brought back to the Bourbon County fair after 4:00 p.m. Monday, July 16, when you bring your poultry animals for exhibition.
If you have any questions about these changes contact Southwind Extension District Agent Christopher Petty at 620-223-3720 or by e-mail at cgp@k su.edu
GROWING BANK UNIFIES BRANCHES UNDER NEW BRAND
Girard National Bank is pleased to announce that it will change its name and all branch location names to GNBank on July 2, 2018. Previously, branch locations operated under individual trade names. There are no ownership or bank structure changes occurring other than the change in the bank’s name.
Use of a single brand will allow GNBank to serve its customers better through a common name at all of its banking facilities. The name change will simplify a customer’s ability to conduct transactions at any GNBank location, without any disruption to customers’ banking services.
“In today’s world of online, mobile, telephone and debit card banking channels and services, we felt it was important to have a high-quality, recognizable and consistent brand for our customers,” said Mark Schifferdecker, President & CEO. “When our customers see the GNBank name or logo, they can expect the same great service and friendly faces wherever they are.”
GNBank’s name change coincides with its celebration of 100 years of business. The family-owned and operated bank was established in 1918 in Girard, Kansas, and began expanding in 1986 with branch facilities in other communities vested in agriculture and small businesses.
GNBank is a full-service community bank in 14 communities, with expertise in agricultural, commercial, small business, residential real estate and consumer services. In Kansas, offices are in Arma, Bucklin, Clay Center, Galena, Girard, Hiawatha, Holton, Horton, Offerle, Pittsburg, Wetmore and Yates Center. In Southeastern Colorado, offices are in Eads and Lamar.
GNBank is known for being ethical, adaptable, customer-centered and invested in its communities. It will continue its promise to be “The Best Place to Bank Borrow.”
More information can be found at gn-bank.com.
Mercy Receives HOPE 4 You Grant for Mammograms
FORT SCOTT, Kan. (June 28, 2018) – Mercy Health Foundation Fort Scott has been awarded a $1,000 grant from the Hope 4 You Breast Cancer Foundation based in Joplin. The grant will be used to help pay for mammograms for patients who meet certain criteria.
This is the seventh consecutive year Mercy has received the grant.
“Far too often women neglect their own health care needs for other priorities,” said Christi Keating, Mercy Hospital Fort Scott executive director of patient care services. “Funds from this grant will give a woman who might otherwise not get mammograms access to the life-saving screenings.”
The startling fact is that more than 40,000 women will die of breast cancer this year in the U.S.
According to the Kaiser State Health Facts, the rate of annual breast cancer diagnosis among Kansas’ women is higher than the national average but Kansas women over age 50 report having fewer mammograms than the national norm.
For more information about digital mammography or to schedule a mammography appointment, call Mercy’s Imagining Services at 620-223-7015.
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The HOPE 4 You Breast Cancer Foundation was founded in 2007 and since that time has donated over $100,000 to area hospitals and organization who provide services relating to breast cancer. HOPE is an acronym for help, outreach, prevent and educate. The purpose of the HOPE 4 You Breast Cancer Foundation is to raise awareness, provide support, offer education and instill hope for those affected by breast cancer according to an official statement provided by Kelly York, HOPE 4 You board member.
EUREKA EMERGENCY RESPONSE UPDATE
CORRECTION: The Greenwood County Emergency Manager indicated that 100-200 volunteers are still needed but bottled water is not needed at this time. Volunteers should be able to handle the extreme heat. They also need to come equipped with gloves, eye protection, work boots and long pants.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has employees on site working with residents to obtain critical documentation (birth and marriage certificates) and the fees are being waived. CORRECTION: The employees plan on being there through Saturday.
The State Emergency Operations Center continues to coordinate recovery operations in Eureka. Door-to-door welfare checks are being conducted in the areas still without power.
There will be a Town Hall meeting held Friday, June 29 at 7 p.m. at the Matt Samuels Building.
The Greenwood County Emergency Manager indicated that they no longer are in need of bottled water or volunteers to help with debris clean up. If that should change, we will put out a request for those items.
The Kansas Corporation Commission is reporting 1,400 customers still without power and they are actively working to restore power to all customers. Westar reports that in storms, sometimes the hardware that houses the electric meter and the wires that feed electricity into a home or business can become detached. This is the square metal box and connecting pole on the side of the house or building. If the hardware is damaged, Westar cannot reconnect the service line between the house and the power grid because it’s not safe. The homeowner is responsible for hiring an electrician to make these repairs before power can be restored to the residence.
The American Red Cross shelter remains open at the Methodist Church, 521 N. Main Street, and housed seven residents overnight. The shelter is serving as a cooling station for residents and volunteers during the day. The American Red Cross is providing two mobile feeding routes along with hydration.
Century Link is providing the food for feeding stations located at 100 Jefferson.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has employees on site working with residents to obtain critical documentation (birth and marriage certificates) and the fees are being waived.
The Kansas Department of Transportation has deployed the following assets to Eureka:
– Five message boards
– 10 dump trucks
– 30 barricades
– Skid Steer
– Wheel loader
– Excavator
– Four flag personnel to assist with directing traffic
The Kansas Department of Revenue put out information that residents affected by the tornado can get free replacement car titles, registration receipts, and drivers licenses if those documents were lost or damaged in the storm. Applications for replacement titles and replacement registration receipts can be made at the Greenwood County Treasurer’s office, 311 N. Main Street Suite 4, Eureka.
Verizon Wireless has deployed two COLTs (Cell On Light Trucks) and operators and the COLTs will be operational sometime during the day on Thursday, June 28.
The following assets deployed by the Kansas Division of Emergency Management remain on site:
– GIS Response Vehicle
– Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Support Team
– Incident Management Team
– KDEM Response Liaison and Regional Coordinator to support incident command and county emergency management
– Communications on Wheels (will be in place until Monday, July 2)
– Resource Accountability Tracking Team
– Public Assistance Support for damage assessment and debris management
– Telecommunications Emergency Response Team
Recovery operations continue in Eureka during the day and will cease from 7 p.m. until 7 a.m. to ensure the safety of those working in the area. Security will remain on-site overnight.
The SEOC will scale back activation overnight to a staff duty officer and will resume full activation at 7 a.m.
The Fort Scott Police Department daily reports can best be viewed on a computer.
The FSPD can be reached at 620-223-1700.
Click below, then click on the image to enlarge:
Triple-digit temperatures present health concerns for vulnerable populations
TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) advises people to use caution during the extreme heat that is anticipated to last for several days.
“The best defense against heat-related illness is prevention,” said KDHE Chief Medical Officer Dr. Greg Lakin. “Staying cool and making simple changes in fluid intake, activities, and clothing during hot weather can help you remain safe and healthy.”
According to the National Weather Service, heath indices are forecasted to be from 100 to 109 degrees in many parts of Kansas through Saturday. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that more than 600 people in the United States are killed by extreme heat every year.
People who face the highest risk of heat-related illness include infants and young children up to four years of age, adults over age 65, people who have chronic medical conditions (such as heart disease or obesity), those taking certain medications and people who work or exercise in extreme heat.
The CDC has some tips for preventing heat-related illness, including:
Stay Cool: Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a good way to cool off. Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home.
Schedule Outdoor Activities Carefully: Try to limit your outdoor activity to when it’s coolest, like morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to recover.
Pace Yourself: Cut down on exercise during the heat. If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, STOP all activity. Get into a cool area or into the shade, and rest, especially if you become lightheaded, confused, weak or faint.
Wear Sunscreen: Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool down and can make you dehydrated. If you must go outdoors, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out. Continue to reapply it according to the package directions.
Do Not Leave Children in Cars: Cars can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures, even with a window cracked open. While anyone left in a parked car is at risk, children are especially at risk of getting heat stroke or dying.
Drink Plenty of Fluids: Drink more fluids, regardless of how active you are. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Avoid sugary or alcoholic drinks—these cause you to lose more body fluid. Also avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
Replace Salt and Minerals: Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body that need to be replaced. A sports drink can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. If you are on a low-salt diet, have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other chronic conditions, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage or taking salt tablets.
Keep Your Pets Hydrated: Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets and leave the water in a shady area.
Know the Signs: Learn the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to treat them.
Use a Buddy System: When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your co-workers and have someone do the same for you. Heat-induced illness can cause a person to become confused or lose consciousness. If you are 65 years of age or older, have a friend or relative call to check on you twice a day during a heat wave. If you know someone in this age group, check on them at least twice a day.
For more information on dealing with extreme summer hear, visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat
