Ohio issues heat alert as Adams County faces dangerous temperatures

The National Weather Service forecast highs in the lower 90s Monday with heat index values up to 100, then mid-90s Tuesday with a heat index up to 103, while overnight lows stayed in the lower 70s and offered little relief through Thursday, July 2. Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Emergency Management Agency issued an urgent safety alert Monday.

Extreme heat is responsible for more weather-related deaths than any other hazard in Ohio, and the state’s guidance puts the highest risk on older adults, infants and children, people with chronic health conditions, outdoor workers and athletes, and anyone without air conditioning or access to cooling centers.

Sima Merick, Ohio EMA’s director, said, “I encourage all Ohioans to stay hydrated, check on neighbors, dress for the heat, and plan for cooling options.” Never leave pets or people in parked cars because temperatures inside vehicles rise rapidly. Heat exhaustion can show up as heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale, clammy skin, fainting and vomiting. Seek medical care immediately if symptoms worsen or include heat stroke signs.

Residents looking for an indoor place to get out of the heat had four Adams County Public Library branches to turn to: Peebles Public Library at 157 High Street, Manchester Public Library at 401 Pike Street, North Adams Public Library at 2469 Moores Road in Seaman and West Union Public Library at 212 East Sparks Street. The Area Agency on Aging District 7, which serves Adams County, also has a West Union location at 123 W Main Street and a toll-free number, 1-800-582-7277. Check on older friends and family members by telephone, video call or in person.