Montpelier, Vt. - Ahead of the expected heat wave beginning Friday and into the weekend, Governor Phil Scott is urging Vermonters to stay safe and cool. Temperatures are expected to be in the upper 80s to low- 90s with high humidity, making it feel like 100 degrees or more.
“High temperatures over the next few days pose serious health risks, so I encourage all Vermonters to take the necessary steps to protect themselves as well as their families, neighbors and pets against the heat,” said Governor Scott. “State agencies and partners will be providing safety tips and resources to help keep all safe and cool this weekend.”
The Agency of Human Services, departments of Health, Public Safety and Libraries, Vermont Emergency Management, the National Weather Service, non-profit organizations and others are participating in the state’s effort.
High temperatures create a serious risk for dangerous and sometimes deadly heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke. Watch for symptoms such as muscle cramps, heavy sweating, nausea, headache or light-headedness. Most heat illnesses can be treated with fluids and by resting in a cooler place. If symptoms persist, get worse, or someone you are with seems confused or loses consciousness, dial 9-1-1 and get immediate medical help.
Important safety tips and guidance are available at http://www.healthvermont.gov/health-environment/climate-health/hot-weather and on social media using the hashtag #VTHeatSafety.
Tips for staying safe and healthy in hot weather:
- Never leave pets or people – especially children, those with disabilities or older adults – in a closed vehicle.
- Drink plenty of water or non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids.
- Seek relief in air-conditioned spaces or other cool and shaded places.
- Check in on loved ones and neighbors to make sure they are safe — especially those who live alone, have mobility issues or do not have air conditioning.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.
- Limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
- Close window shades during the day. Keep windows closed when it is hotter outside than inside. Avoid using appliances and lights that generate heat.
- Keep an eye on your pets too, and make sure they have water and a cool place to rest.
Several communities are organizing places where the public can go to cool off. A list of cooling stations and state libraries open for cooling is included at https://vem.vermont.gov/content/municipal-cooling-locations. Vermonters can also dial 2-1-1 to find a cooling center in their area.
Stay informed:
- Follow #VTHeatSafety on Twitter
- Receive weather and other alerts by signing up with VT-Alert
- Finding cooling stations at: https://vem.vermont.gov/content/municipal-cooling-locations
- Follow Vermont Emergency Management on Facebook and Twitter
- Learn more about climate, heat and your health at healthvermont.gov/climate/heat
- Get updates from National Weather Service at weather.gov/btv/
Additional Heat Safety Resources
- NOAA’s Weather Ready Nation Heat - weather.gov/safety/heat
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.html
- FEMA Extreme Heat - ready.gov/heat
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