Code Orange Alert for Friday's Scorcher

Friday will be another scorcher and the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory, forecasting that the heat index will reach 100 to 102 degrees.

The heat advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

A code orange alert for air quality also is in effect. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued the alert, which means air pollution concentrations within the region may become unhealthy for sensitive groups like children, the elderly, and people with asthma, heart disease or other lung diseases.

Any residents looking for a place to cool off can escape the heat at the Leetsdale community room. 

Paul Scimio, borough manager, said the room will be open from 8am until 9pm today. 

"There is no entertainment, food, or housing available just a cool spot to rest and grab a drink of water," he said.

The Red Cross warns that the heat and humidity can create a potentially life-threatening situation. The Red Cross website defines heat illnesses and their treatments as follows:

Heat cramps

Symptoms: Painful, prolonged muscle cramps, often brought on with strenuous activity.

Treatment: Move the person to a cooler place, have them rest, lightly stretch the affected muscle, and replenish their fluids with half a glass (about 4 ounces) of cool water every 15 minutes. 

Heat exhaustion

Symptoms: cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness.

Treatment: Move the person to a cooler place, remove or loosen tight clothing and spray the person with water. You can also apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If they are conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in condition. If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1.

Heat stroke

Symptoms: Hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting; and high body temperature.

Treatment: This is a life-threatening condition. Call 9-1-1 immediately. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person’s body by immersing them up to their neck in cold water if possible. Otherwise, douse or spray the person with cold water, or cover the person with cold, wet towels or bags of ice.

Tips:

Stay in air conditioning

If you must go outside, avoid strenuous activity, stay in the shade and drink lots of water.

Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothes.

Check in on relatives and neighbors.

If you must work outdoors, schedule frequent rest breaks in shade or air conditioning.

Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool, shaded location.