Heat advisory includes Purdue campus, surrounding counties; fireworks ban also in place

June 27, 2012  


WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University health and safety officials are urging employees and visitors to campus to use caution over the next few days as Tippecanoe and surrounding counties will be under a heat advisory.

Tippecanoe County is also under a burn and fireworks ban for a minimum of seven days.

“Due to the drought conditions and extreme heat, it’s simply not safe to shoot off fireworks or start an open fire as the dry conditions could lead to a large fire with the slightest of sparks,” said Carol Shelby, senior director of environmental health and public safety.

The National Weather Service in Indianapolis issued the advisory as temperatures are expected to exceed 100 degrees both days, with a potential high of 105 degrees on Thursday (June 28).

"We recommend people stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, specifically water, and stay indoors as much as possible," said Shelby, senior director of environmental health and public safety. "If you work outdoors or in a non-air-conditioned area you should arrange with your supervisor to take more frequent breaks to avoid becoming overheated."

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) urges people to limit their time outdoors during extreme heat, while wearing lightweight, light colored clothing.

OHSA recommends people know the signs of heat stress and heat stroke, in order to best prevent health problems.

Symptoms of heat stress includes a headache, dizziness, or fainting; weakness and wet skin; irritability or confusion; and thirst, nausea, or vomiting.

Signs a heat stroke may be occurring are the inability to think clearly, seizures and sweat no longer being produced.

According to the National Weather Service, humidity levels will be relatively low, keeping heat indexes close to the air temperature for much of the next two days. 

For a full list of symptoms and ways to prevent heat illnesses, visit http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatillness/index.html

Writer: Brian Peloza, 765-494-2084, bpeloza@purdue.edu

Source: Carol Shelby, 765-494-7504, cshelby@purdue.edu

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