Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
The National Weather Service in Indianapolis is expecting temperatures to range from low 70s to the high 90s this weekend throughout Indiana.
It's perfect conditions for heat-related problems, if Kosciusko County residents don't take some precautions.
Dr. Dan Chaffee said Kosciusko Community Hospital has not seen anyone in the last three days with signs of heat exhaustion, heat stroke or other heat-related illnesses.
He said that because of the close-knit community in the county, everyone is looking out for one another and is aware of the safety measures they need to take.
"Heat stroke is rather uncommon but that's when a person's body's ability to deal with heat breaks down," Chaffee said. He said actual heat stroke is more common in metropolitan areas because people are more isolated from one another.
But just because KCH hasn't recently seen anyone with signs of heat exhaustion or stroke doesn't mean it can't happen. And, KCH employees are watching for signs in order to correctly identify any problems.
Those who are most susceptible to heat-related illnesses include the very young and the very old and people on medication.
Chaffee said to avoid a visit to the emergency room, people should remain where it is cool and drink lots of fluid.
"Some people make the mistake of just drinking water, but water doesn't replace the electrolytes you lose. You need to drink something like Powerade or Gatorade," he said.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include weakness, feeling light headed, feeling faint, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting and weakness. Symptoms of heat stroke include feeling very hot, not sweating, low blood pressure and alternative mental status.
"Most of the time, people come in (the hospital) with heat-related cramps," he said. He said it is more common for people to visit the emergency room complaining of sunburn than heat exhaustion.
For some people, staying cool and safe may mean remaining indoors with air conditioning and/or fans on. But that's not always a great idea.
Lynn Collyer, chief executive officer of REMC, said they are not experiencing any major problems with providing customers with electrical service. However, he said, customers should turn their thermostats up to at least 78 degrees and should turn off all unnecessary lights and appliances.
"We're just asking customers to conserve where possible until we get through this," he said.
Heat doesn't affect just people. Animals can also feel the affects of the high temperatures.
Dr. Richard Flora, DVM, of Animal Medical Center, West Winona Avenue, Warsaw, said the biggest problem animals face is heat exhaustion. When the heat index rises, animals need to get in the shade and have plenty of water to drink.
"The biggest thing now is plenty of water. Keep them out of the sun. ... If they're used to going on long walks, you really need to cut back on that," Flora said.
If an animal is weak, unsteady on their feet, vomiting or if their gums are more blue than pink, Flora said they may be experiencing heat-related sickness. "They can eventually progress to be comatose or go into a coma."
As for exotic pets, they may be more sensitive to heat problems, though they are usually kept indoors as they should be, he said.
"You just have to use your common sense and be very careful," Flora said.
