Temperatures are expected to increase over the coming days in the Hoosier state and that’s prompting warnings from local Emergency Management Agency offices.
With an increase in the heat index, the risks for illness can increase. Heat exhaustion occurs when a person is unable to replenish their hydration levels during extended periods of sweating.
Even worse is heat stroke, when a person is unable to control their internal body temperature. State Emergency Medical Services Director Michael Olinger says it can be life-threatening if not treated.
Indiana residents can take steps to protect themselves such as drinking plenty of water, resting, and seeking shade if they’re outdoors. Those suffering from dizziness, nausea, or muscle cramps are also asked to seek medical attention.
The Henry F. Schricker Public Library in Knox is also a designated cooling station for residents should they find themselves without air conditioning. The library will be open from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. Other branches in San Pierre, Hamlet, and Koontz Lake will be closed on Thursday.
The hospital in Knox will also act as a cooling station from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
