Temperatures across central Iowa are expected to be excessively high this week, and Emergency Management Coordinator for Guthrie and Adair counties Bob Kempf advises people to not take the heat lightly.

Throughout the week, temperatures are expected to be in the mid-to-high 90’s, with heat indices around 110 degrees. A special heat advisory has been issued this week by the National Weather Service for the counties in the Raccoon Valley Radio listening area. Children, animals, and the elderly will be particularly susceptible to the extreme heat, so Kempf says to keep them indoors if possible. In particular, people are advised to not leave animals or children inside vehicles. According to Kempf, interior temperatures can reach 120-130 degrees in a matter of 10 minutes.

He adds, there are ways you can protect yourself from the dangers of the heat. “Staying hydrated, lots of water, avoiding caffeine and alcohol. Even though we think of them as beverages, they really don’t do much to hydrate you. In addition to that would be your skin protection. You know, it doesn’t take very much to cause a very serious sunburn with days like what we’ve got coming up. So making sure you’re using a good sunscreen. Making sure you’re taking lots of breaks, not over-extending yourself, are the important things.”

To hear more from Kempf, listen to today’s Let’s Talk Guthrie County program at RaccoonValleyRadio.com.