Genesee County, MI — Residents will be experiencing unusually high temperatures combined with humidity this week.  Genesee County is under an Extreme Heat Warning through 8 p.m. on Friday.

Extreme heat is defined as summertime temperatures that are much hotter and/or more humid than average.

Heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion or heat stroke occur when the body cannot properly cool itself. While the body normally cools itself by sweating, during extreme heat, this might not be enough as a person’s body temperature rises faster than it can cool itself down. This can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs. Check on your elderly neighbors and family members. Assure children, the elderly, and pets have plenty of water and access to a cool environment.

The Genesee County Health Department (GCHD) is reminding residents of the following safety steps to take when temperatures and heat indexes are high:

• Step 1: Stay cool. Use an air conditioner or go to a cool place such as a basement, neighbor’s house, shopping mall or cooling center. Spending even a few hours a day in air conditioning can help reduce your risk for heat illness.　
• Step 2: Use a fan only when the windows are open or the air conditioner is on. Fans will not prevent heat illness when the temperature is in the 90s.
• Step 3: Take a cool shower or bath.
• Step 4: Keep shades and curtains closed to block the sun from coming in your home or office.
• Step 5: Avoid exercising and physical activity during the hottest part of the day. Mornings and evenings are usually cooler than mid-day.
• Step 6: Stay out of the sun. If you must be in the sun, wear thin and light-colored clothing, a hat, and sunglasses. Wear sunscreen (at least SPF15) with reapplication every two hours and after swimming or exercising. Sunscreen is recommended for all individuals regardless of race or ethnic background to reduce the risk of skin cancer.
• Step 7: Avoid alcohol and caffeine because both can cause dehydration. Drink plenty of water and do not wait until you’re thirsty.
• Step 8: Never leave children, the elderly, or pets in parked vehicles. Vehicles heat up very quickly and can become dangerous, even with the windows open.

GCHD is committed to enhancing community well-being in Genesee County by preventing disease, promoting health, and protecting against environmental hazards. Our mission focuses on creating healthy, safe and livable environments for all residents.

For a current list of local cooling centers, visit our website. Click here for more information on heat-related illnesses.