The warmer weather is bringing more calls for service and has prompted caution from officials amid an extended heat advisory.
In Taney County, paramedics have been called to numerous heat-related calls in the past two weeks.
Johnathan Tudor, public information lieutenant of the Taney County Ambulance District, says that he has responded to five calls in his last two shifts. That’s compared to just one such call last year.
“In the last few weeks and extending into this week, we’ve had an increase in the amount of heat, the amount of humidity in southwest Missouri and that’s affecting everyone,” Tudor adds.
The region is under a heat advisory until Friday evening. Tudor says citizens need to look out for themselves, friends and family, to avoid heat exhaustion.
“Make sure you drink plenty of water, and stay inside in air conditioned environment as much as you can. If you have to work outside, make sure you take plenty of breaks, wear light clothing,” Tudor states.
Tudor says there are signs to heat exhaustion such as cramps, excessive sweating and thirst, and fatigue.
“On top of heat exhaustion, the much worse thing is heat stroke. If you’re outside and notice you or someone else start exhibiting signs of stroke – they stop sweating, they’re very hot to the touch- these are signs of heat stroke. That is a true medical emergency. You need to call 911 and start cooling them off using any resources available. That’s a priority issue,” Tudor says.
Elsewhere in the region, the Springfield-Greene County Park Board is again allowing citizens to cool off inside its family centers during the heat advisory. The Park Board has also extended outdoor pool hours at select locations.
The Salvation Army will also have its cooling center open. The center is located on 1707 West Chestnut Expressway in Springfield, and will be open from 8:30am to 7:00pm until Friday.