Heat Advisory Lasts Through Late Tonight

If you got used to Tuesday's 83-degree temperatures, you shouldn't have.

Meteorologists expect Wednesday to bring heat indexes of around 105 degrees, according to a heat advisory issued Tuesday night by the National Weather Service. The advisory will be in effect from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., officials said.

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"Residents are reminded to take extra precautions against the heat and check on relatives, friends and neighbors," an alert sent by the said.

The Senior Community Center at 17355 68th Court will be opened as a cooling center for those seeking relief. Registration for well-being checks is available by calling 708-444-5326.

Know the Terms:

• SUNBURN: Redness and pain. In severe cases swelling of skin, blisters, fever, headaches. First aid: Ointments for mild cases if blisters appear and do not break. If breaking occurs, apply dry sterile dressing. Serious, extensive cases should be seen by physician.

• HEAT CRAMPS: Painful spasms usually in muscles of legs and abdomen possible. Heavy sweating. First aid: Firm pressure on cramping muscles, or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use.

• HEAT EXHAUSTION: Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale and clammy. Pulse thready. Normal temperature possible. Fainting and vomiting. First aid: Get victim out of sun. Lay down and loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air conditioned room. Sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use. If vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention.

• HEAT STROKE (or sunstroke): High body temperature (106 degrees or higher). Hot dry skin. Rapid and strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. First aid: Move the victim to a cooler environment. Reduce body temperature with cold bath or sponging. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing, use fans and air conditioners. If temperature rises again, repeat process. Do not give fluids. Persons on salt restrictive diets should consult a physician before increasing their salt intake.

• IF ANYONE IS OVERCOME BY HEAT, they should be moved to a cool and shaded area. If someone falls to heat stroke, call 911.

Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water, take frequent breaks inside a cool area, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Remember 1995.

Oak Lawn Patch Editor Lorraine Swanson contributed to this report.

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