Weather takes its toll

Jason Perry wipes sweat from his face yesterday afternoon. While most people were darting indoors to avoid soaring temperatures, Perry was sealing parking lot cracks at Caney Fork Electric during the hottest part of the day.

‘It’s so bad we’ve thought about working at night,’ said Perry yesterday afternoon while taking a break from sealing cracks in the Caney Fork Electric parking lot. ‘It doesn’t always fit in the best with people’s schedules, but it’s been so hot I think we might have to.’

Tennessee remains under an excessive heat warning as the state is inching closer to breaking the longest heat wave in its history. The state’s longest heat wave previously was in 1914 when temperatures remained above 94 degrees for 20 straight days starting June 20. Midstate temperatures have now been above 94 degrees for 15 days and counting, the National Weather Service said yesterday.

Nashville, with a high of 105 degrees yesterday, has experienced temperatures over 100 degrees for five straight days, according to the National Weather Service.

The record is eight days.

McMinnville’s high temperature yesterday was 103 degrees.

With only a slight break in the soaring temperatures expected in the next few days, now is the time to remain calm, cool and hydrated.

The deaths of eight people have been attributed to heat-related causes in Tennessee, with the latest being a New Jersey ride operator who was one of 250 people setting up the rides at the Wilson County Fair. The 48-year-old carnival employee was found unresponsive around 5 p.m. Wednesday and pronounced dead at University Medical Center in Lebanon.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that an average of 350 people die in the United States each year due to the effects of heat. A heat wave, called a ‘silent killer,’ caused the deaths of 1,021 Americans in 1995.

Those most vulnerable to the dangers of heat are the elderly. In addition, infants, young children and people with chronic health problems or disabilities are high on the list.

Knowing the signs of heat-related disorders and immediate first aid can prevent a more serious condition from developing.

‘ Heat cramps ‘ Painful spasms usually in muscles of the legs and abdomen due to heavy exertion. When cramps occur, first aid includes stopping activity and resting in a cool place. Lightly stretch or gently massage muscles to relieve spasms and drink cool water.

‘ Heat exhaustion ‘ This can include heavy sweating with cool skin. Pulse is fast and weak. Breathing can be fast and shallow. This also includes fainting, dizziness, vomiting and nausea. First aid includes moving to a cool place, resting and drinking water.

‘ Heat stroke or sun stroke ‘ This is a severe medical condition that can be fatal. Symptoms include no sweating, rapid pulse, fast and shallow breathing, hot, red, dry skin, nausea, dizziness, headache and confusion. First aid includes moving the person to a cooler environment and calling for emergency assistance. Cool baths or sponges can be used to reduce body temperature until help arrives.

Although Warren County residents have weathered well in the rising daytime heat, area farms have not.

‘Between the cold weather and the drought, I’ve lost a considerable amount of my crop,’ said Larry D. Flatt of Flattland Farms and Nursery. ‘I’m not able to irrigate so I’m seeing probably a 50 percent loss with what I have in the field. Mostly I’m going evergreens like Norway Spruce and this kind of weather really stresses them.’

As for people watering the flowers and lawn, the water levels for the city and county are doing well. According to the city’s director of Water and Wastewater Department, Carl Davis, and the general manager of the Warren County Utility District, Mike Green, the water levels are high and there are no concerns regarding available water at this time.

Here are some heat safety tips from the Centers for Disease Control:

‘ Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcoholic beverages and drinks with caffeine.

‘ Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. If you must go out, use sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat.

‘ Avoid going out during the hottest times of the day.

‘ While working outside, take frequent breaks.

‘ While inside use air conditioning if possible.

‘ Take cool, not icy, baths or showers.

‘ Eat small, frequent meals. Consume low-protein meals as high-protein foods cause an increase in metabolic heat.

‘ Do not leave children or pets in vehicles.

‘ Provide pets with extra water and access to a cool environment.