Multiple Georgia Counties Under 2-Day Heat Advisory

GEORGIA — Clarke, Muscogee and Oconee counties joined several counties south of the metro to go under a heat advisory both Monday and Tuesday.

The alert issued Monday by the National Weather Service took effect at 11 a.m. and will last until 10 p.m.

Aside from Clarke, the advisory was also issued for Spalding, Clayton, Fayette, Heard, Coweta, Macon, Peach, Houston, Henry, Butts, Upson, Lamar, Crisp, Rockdale, Newton, Oconee and numerous other counties.

The heat index values are expected to rise from 105 to 108, according to the weather service.

"Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur," the weather service said in its alert.

Residents are asked to stay hydrated, remain in air-conditioned rooms, stay out of the sun and check on neighbors and relatives. Children and pets should not be left unattended in vehicles, the weather service said.

Weather officials advise rescheduling strenuous activities to the early morning or evening.

"Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. ... Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 911," weather officials said in the alert.

The weather service offered the following tips on its website for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke:

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps may be the first sign of heat-related illness, and may lead to heat exhaustion or stroke.

• Symptoms: Painful muscle cramps and spasms usually in legs and abdomen and heavy sweating.
• First Aid: Apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gently massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water unless the person complains of nausea, then stop giving water. Seek immediate medical attention if cramps last longer than one hour.

Heat Exhaustion

• Symptoms: Heavy sweating, Weakness or tiredness, cool, pale, clammy skin; fast, weak pulse, muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, headache, fainting,
• First Aid: Move person to a cooler environment, preferably a well air conditioned room. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths or have person sit in a cool bath. Offer sips of water. If person vomits more than once, Seek immediate medical attention if the person vomits, symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.

Heat Stroke

• Symptoms: Throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, body temperature above 103 degrees fahrenheit, hot, red, dry or damp skin, rapid and strong pulse, fainting, loss of consciousness.
• First Aid: Call 911 or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Delay can be fatal. Move the victim to a cooler, preferably air-conditioned, environment. Reduce body temperature with cool cloths or bath. Use fan if heat index temperatures are below the high 90s. A fan can make you hotter at higher temperatures. Do not give fluids.