Heat wave moves into central Indiana, residents urged to stay safe

All of Central Indiana is under a heat advisory that starts Saturday afternoon and goes until Tuesday evening. Hot temperatures and high humidity are expected to grip the area and could cause heat illness.

Heat index values, measures of the relative humidity and actual temperature, are expected to top 100 for the next few days.

Expert advice is to stay well hydrated, in an air-conditioned place and connected by checking on others and making sure pets have water and shade.

The American Red Cross of the Indiana Region sent a release that adds athletes and outdoor workers should take breaks in the shade. The organization also put out a list of heat illnesses and signs.

Heat cramps are signaled by heavy sweating and muscle pain. Take action by stopping what you’re doing, resting in a cool place and slowly sipping water.

Heat exhaustion is signaled by heavy sweating, weakness, cool and clammy skin, muscle cramps, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting. Take action by stopping what you’re doing, resting in a cool place and slowly sipping water. Don’t drink if you feel sick. Loosen your clothes and place a cool wet cloth on your body. Get medical help if you don’t feel better, vomit or have heart problems.

Heat stroke is a deadly condition signaled by high body temperature, rapid heartbeat, confusion, headache, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting. Call 911. Move to a cooler place, remove extra clothing and use a wet cloth or a cool bath to cool down. Don’t drink anything.

The City of Indianapolis released an advisory and reminded residents that public buildings, including Indy Parks family centers and Indianapolis Public Library branches, will be open across the city during normal business hours to help residents, especially those without air conditioning, stay cool.

Some Indy Parks Family Centers will be open Sunday with extended hours until 6 p.m. Those locations include Stanley Strader Park, Broad Ripple Park, Thatcher Park and the Indy Island Aquatic Center.

The city also has numerous splash pads and pools open this weekend.

Contact WFYI Managing City Editor Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org.