Munson urges Grand Traverse County residents to stay safe in extreme heat

Munson Healthcare urged Grand Traverse County residents to treat the heat as a real medical threat. Chief medical quality and safety official Joe Santangelo said, "Staying hydrated is the most important thing people can do during the heat spell."

Cool off in a body of water if it is safe to do so, spray water on your skin, take a cool shower, or sit in front of a fan. Skip caffeinated drinks and alcohol while temperatures stay high, and watch for early warning signs of heat illness, including dizziness, headaches, shortness of breath, nausea, weakness, heavy sweating and decreased urine output. Heat stroke is a medical emergency that can cause death or permanent disability if treatment is delayed.

Outdoor workers face some of the sharpest risk in Grand Traverse County, especially on job sites without much shade. Wear light-colored clothing and take longer breaks. Water, rest and shade remain the basics, including cooler break areas, nearby buildings, air-conditioned vehicles, or tents and fan stations.

Older adults, infants and children, people with chronic conditions, pregnant people, outdoor workers and people without air conditioning are among those at greater risk. That includes beachgoers, walkers, cyclists, boaters and people spending long stretches outside in Traverse City and across the county.

Munson Healthcare estimates Northern Michigan’s summer population can rise by as much as 75 percent, Traverse City patient volume runs about 30 percent higher in summer than in winter, and nearly 500,000 people may be in the community during National Cherry Festival week. Across Munson’s 10-county service area, summer demand can bring a 42 percent increase in emergency-department visitors.

The National Weather Service office in Gaylord forecasts heat and humidity will continue into at least Friday, with severe thunderstorm chances also in the forecast.