St. Joseph County Department of Health issues public health advisory due to extreme heat

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind.—The St. Joseph County Department of Health on Tuesday issued a public health advisory due to high daily temperatures and a heat index in the 100s.

The extreme heat is expected to continue through the weekend. Click here for the latest weather update.

A heat advisory is in effect for northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan through 9 p.m. on Tuesday. 

Health officials want to remind the community to do the following to avoid heat-related illness and injury:

• Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
• Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to a shopping mall or public library for a break to help stay cool.
• Limit outdoor activity to when it’s coolest, such as the morning and evening hours.
• Cut down on exercise during the heat.
• If you must go outdoors, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out. Continue reapplying sunscreen according to package directions.
• Do not leave children, infants or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open. To remind yourself of a child in the car, keep a stuffed animal in the car seat, when the child is buckled in, place the stuffed animal in the front with the driver.
• Avoid hot and heavy meals.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Stay away from very sugary or alcoholic drinks.
• Keep pets hydrated

The health department is also warning the community about heat-related illnesses. For more information about those signs and symptoms, click here.