Staying Safe During Extreme Heat

WASHINGTON - A heat advisory is putting many public agencies on alert. The extreme heat is causing problems you might not even think about.

The heat affects our health, through our pocketbook in the form of higher electricity bills as well as the roads we drive on.

The roads are getting so hot that they are buckling, creating cracks and potholes for drivers. And with a string of days over 90 degrees, it is making things worse.

“When we have that kind of extreme heat for consecutive days, the pavement continues to expand but it can’t contract,” said Virginia Department of Transportation spokesperson Jennifer McCord. “When the temperatures do not go back down at night, the pavement continues to expand and that’s where we see the buckling.”

McCord says drivers, especially motorcyclists, should watch out.

“We know it can happen on any interstate so that’s why we want motorists to be aware this weekend,” said McCord.

VDOT crews have been repairing pavement on Interstate 395 near Seminary Road in Alexandria and are ready to close more lanes anytime for more emergency repairs.

But it is not just the pavement taking a hit, our health is at risk too.

“The air quality and the heat index really doesn't discriminate between the old and the young,” said Dr. Matt Leonard of Suburban Hospital. “We’re seeing just as many young people suffering from it as older folks.”

Dr. Leonard reminds people that the heat can catch up with you before you know it.

“It’s a much more life-threatening condition where people can have seizures, brain swelling and eventually they are at risk for death,” said Dr. Leonard.

As the mercury rises, sweat does cool us, but on hot humid days, sweat may not help. As body temperature goes up, heat exhaustion or even heat stroke could set in.

Some symptoms to watch out for:
- weak or confusion
- dizziness
- nausea
- headache

Some medicines can put you at risk for heat stroke such as:
- allergy pills
- blood pressure medication
- diet pills
- laxatives