Mercer County EMA Director Urges Heat Safety During Dangerous Conditions

Mercer County EMA Director Chad Wilrath is reminding residents to take precautions as dangerous heat impacts the area this week.

Wilrath says summer weather has fully arrived in Ohio, with heat advisories in effect and heat index values expected to climb over 100 degrees at times. He says conditions are expected to remain hot through much of the week, with a chance of rain possible by Friday into Saturday.

With those conditions in place, Wilrath says residents should be careful when spending time outdoors. He encourages people to drink plenty of water, wear light-colored clothing, take breaks when needed, and avoid being outside during the worst of the heat if possible.

Wilrath also reminds residents to check on young children, older adults, and people with health issues, since they can be more vulnerable during extreme heat.

Anyone working or spending time outside should watch for symptoms of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Wilrath says people should move to a cooler area if they start to feel sick, and call 911 if the situation becomes severe.

He says the area is facing several hot days ahead, and residents should take the heat seriously until conditions improve.