Miami-Dade urges residents to play it safe during days of record heat
MIAMI - Days of record heat and a Heat Advisory on Friday have prompted Miami-Dade leaders to urge residents to play it safe.
The Heat Advisory for the county runs through 8 p.m. A Heat Advisory for Monroe County is in effect through 6 p.m. A Heat Advisory is issued when the heat index, or "feels like" temperature, reaches 105° F or higher and is expected for at least two hours.
The NEXT Weather team is forecasting an afternoon high of 95 degrees, which would top the record of 94 degrees from 2008, with "feels like" temperatures of 103 to 107.
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said in a statement that they want all residents and visitors to be aware of the risks of extreme heat and take steps to remain safe and healthy.
"I encourage all residents to do a Heat Check: drink water, rest, and find shade if you are working or playing outdoors this week," she said.
Those who do not have air conditioning are urged to go to stay with a friend or family member who has it or go to a public air-conditioned facility - such as county libraries, malls, or community recreation centers - during the hottest part of the day.
"Employers with workers exposed to heat are encouraged to alter work schedules and locations and provide shaded rest breaks with ample drinking water," according to the county.
In addition to finding a cool place to beat the heat, people working, walking, or enjoying the outdoors should remember that heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, can happen quickly. If you must be outdoors, slow down, take breaks in shaded or cool areas, and drink cool fluids every hour.
If possible, avoid outdoor activities during the peak hours of the day, Erika Benitez of the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue told CBS News Miami's Peter D'Oench.
"It's really important to limit your time for outdoor activities," she said. "Try to do these activities at times when it is no so hot — late afternoon or early morning is best."
Wear clothing that is lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting. Put on sunscreen to protect your skin and wear a hat. Sunburn reduces your body's ability to dissipate heat.
Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day especially those with electrolytes, avoiding those that that contain caffeine, high sugar content, and alcohol. Also, eat light, cool foods like fruit or salads. If you pack food, put it in a cooler or carry an ice pack. Don't leave it sitting in the sun. Meats and dairy products spoil quickly in hot weather.
Benitez also offered this warning: "We want to remind people to never leave their pets in vehicles because a car can turn into an oven in a matter of minutes."
Joseph Mahfood of Southwest Miami-Dade, the father of one-year-old Alexander and the owner of a Pomeranian husky named Coco, told D'Oench that he would never leave any precious cargo in his car.
"The car I have now alerts me every time I have a child in back and I would never leave him in my car," he said.
Around Miami-Dade, many people said they were concerned by the suffocating heat as Chopper 4 revealed hazy conditions over the Rickenbacker Causeway and the Port of Miami.
"I hydrate, wear sunscreen and stay as cool as possible," said Pinecrest resident Linda Ratner.
"Just yesterday I bought a fan that goes around my neck," said Ron Weeks of Kendall, who will be 70 on Saturday. "I have lived here my whole life and I have worked in the sun and I have never seen it this bad and I feel like a sweet potato broiling under the sun. I would say wear a long-sleeved shirt and don't ignore your skin. That is real important."
"Drink agua, lots of water," added Kendall resident Nora Pinger. "Drink lots of water."
