Team Norfolk - HEAT ADVISORY - 7-12-17

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The following is a summary of today’s heat advisory and Team Norfolk’s response efforts.  Thanks to all for your prompt responses and assistance!!  If there are any questions, or other activities for which I am unaware, please email me at your earliest convenience.

Thank you!

Jim
Director, Norfolk EOC

Hazardous Weather Outlook: Hot and humid conditions are expected Wednesday and Thursday. Heat index values around 105 degrees are expected each afternoon. Per the attached chart, heat index values this high will pose a risk of heat related illnesses, if precautions are not taken. Heat advisories may be needed for portions of the area, especially Thursday.

Status: Norfolk Public Libraries are available for a reprieve from the heat during normal operating hours.  Mike Wasserberg reports Office to End Homelessness activated their water outreach for this week. Street outreach has hit most of the known hotspots including parks, libraries and the beach areas. Staff reports low numbers of people experiencing homelessness in the outdoor areas where they would be exposed to the high temps.  Also coordinating with NCSB PATH and Road to Home outreach staff.  Mike also reports the Salvation Army opened its 19^th Street Hope Center as a community cooling location until 4pm.

Many, many thanks to Ms. Joleen Jones, Manager at Walmart on Military Highway, as well as Mr. Anthony Butts of Lowes on Military Highway, for their incredibly generous donations of  bottled water for the outreach efforts to our most vulnerable populations!!  Arrangements underway for the pickup and distribution of said water.  Thanks also to Jody and Operation Blessing who are standing by to provide more upon request!

Messaging / Information Resources:
These are the message points approved by Norfolk Public Health.  Thanks, Dwayne and Eve!! 

CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/  

1. Dress appropriately for the heat. Wear light-colored, loose fitting clothing that permits the evaporation of perspiration.
2. Prepare for, and be aware of signs of, heat stress / heat illness.
3. Protect pets by bringing them indoors.
4. Do NOT leave children or pets in an un-air-conditioned vehicle.
5. Anyone without access to air-conditioning can seek temporary relief during business hours at city multi-service centers or libraries.  Contact the Norfolk Cares Call Center at (757) 664-6510 to ask for the nearest open city facility.
6. Increase water consumption!!
7. Conduct outdoor work or exercise in the early morning or evening when it is cooler. Outdoor workers should drink plenty of water and electrolyte-replacement beverages and take frequent breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned facility. Those unaccustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment need to start slowly and gradually increase heat exposure over several weeks.
8. Check on our seniors. Take the initiative to visit seniors to look for signs of heat related illnesses. It takes the elderly nearly twice the time of younger people to return to core body temperature after exposure to extreme temperatures.

We also received the following from Dominion Energy regarding energy summer saving tips:

• Raise your thermostat to 78º. If you are away from home for more than eight hours, raise the thermostat setting and you can save for each degree of setback. This will reduce the amount of energy used to cool your home while you're away. You can learn more about your thermostat online by visiting the U.S. Department of Energy website.
• Keep shades closed when the air conditioner is on. Sunny windows can add heat to your home and can make your air conditioner work two to three times harder.
• Check and clean filters. Cleaning and replacing air conditioning filters monthly allows the system to run more efficiently.
• Clear attic vents.  If the home has an attic fan, make sure it is functioning properly.
• Install ceiling fans and make sure they are blowing down. Don't underestimate the importance of ceiling fans. Moving air over the body provides a cooling effect. Most fans have a switch to change the fan direction. Make sure ceiling fans are blowing downward (in a counter-clockwise direction) to send air past your body. Turn fans off when the room is unoccupied.
• Postpone activities that require hot water and large energy use – such as washing dishes or clothes – to early morning or late evening.  This will keep from adding more heat and humidity to the home.  Use the dishwasher and clothes washer late in the evening. When used during the day, these appliances produce additional heat, causing your air conditioner to work harder.
• Use cold water to wash dishes and clothes. This will save on water heating costs.
• Unplug equipment not in use. Electric chargers, televisions and audio/video equipment use electricity and produce heat even when they are not in use. Running an older refrigerator can use up to three times the energy of a modern one. Unplug any appliance when it's not in use.

Heat Index chart and Infographics attached: