Extreme heat continues across Michiana, South Bend Fire Department urges caution

Hot weather can take a toll on anyone, but older adults, young children, and those working or exercising outside may face the greatest risk. It’s crucial to know when to take breaks and recognize the warning signs for yourself and others. In high temperatures it can take just 10 to 15 minutes to experience heat stroke or heat exhaustion. Andrew Myer, South Bend Fire Assistant Chief of EMS says, “Heat exhaustion is easier for us to manage. That's going to present with a lot of sweating, maybe a little bit of shortness of breath, cold, clammy skin, a lot of talk, tiredness. And then heat stroke is actually where you're not sweating. You have high body temperature, you have headaches, maybe you get a little dizzy. And that's more of a medical emergency.” The most important key is to stay hydrated. Myer says about hydration, “Keep an eye on your heat index. Always hydrate. Hydrate for the day before. And hydrate with water, not Gatorade, not any pop or anything like that. Always just use good old fashioned water.” While temperatures are climbing, summer activities are in full swing. Some Summer Camp counselors are taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of their campers. Grant Jakubowski, YMCA Valparaiso Camp Counselor says, “It's very easy to get dehydrated . It's very easy to get sick. It's very easy to get a headache So we have to find a happy medium and go have your fun. This is what summer camp's all about right, but at the same time implement the safety rules safety habits into it.” It’s always good to find ways to keep cool at splash pads, pools, and even the park. When dealing with extreme temperatures, however, it’s important to find alternatives to beat the heat. Lexi Gorsuch, also with YMCA Valparaiso, says “We also have like activities where they could sit around and do bracelets or like color, stuff like that, so they're not over exhausting themselves.” Staying hydrated using fan, and even cooling towels are all ways you can stay cool during the heat wave. Officials also encourage checking on neighbors, especially those who may be living in homes without AC. If you have concerns .and can't get ahold of someone you can request a welfare check dialing the non-emergency line at 311, or 911 in an emergency. Cooling stations are available all across Michiana. A full list can be found here. https://wsbt.com/news/local/extreme-h... _________________ Stay up to date by following our social media: WSBT 22 on Facebook:   / wsbtnews   WSBT 22 on X:   / wsbt   WSBT 22 on Instagram:   / wsbt   For more information, visit https://wsbt.com/ Have a news tip? Send it directly to our newsroom: [email protected] WSBT is an IN based station and a CBS Television affiliate owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group. Sinclair, Inc. is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country today. Sinclair owns and operates, programs or provides sales services to 163 television stations in 77 markets, after pending transactions. Sinclair's television group reaches approximately 38.7% of US television households and includes FOX, ABC, MyTV, CW, CBS, NBC, Univision and Azteca affiliates.