Heat Advisory Issued: People and Pets - What You Need to Know

The National Weather Service in St. Louis has issued another Heat Advisory for the St. Louis area. The Advisory is in effect from 12pm through 9pm, June 22. Temperatures are expected to rise quickly into the 90s by midday to dangerous levels of heat during the afternoon and evening. Heat index values are expected between 104 to 108 degrees due to temperatures around 100 degrees and dew points around 70.

The combination of hot temperatures and high humidity will likely lead to an increased risk of heat-related stress and illness for people and pets, especially for those living in un-air conditioned homes or apartments. 

Heat Related Health and Safety Tips for People: 

• Avoid poorly ventilated areas and prolonged work in the sun. 
• Keep plenty of fluids on hand and try to stay, or take frequent breaks in an air conditioned environment.
• Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. 
• Wear light weight loose fitting clothing. 
• Never leave children unattended in a vehicle. Check the backseat. During extreme heat vehicle temperatures can reach lethal levels in a matter of minutes.
• Continuously check on family members, neighbors, elderly, chronically ill, and friends. If they have air conditioning available, encourage them to use it.  

Heat Related Health and Safety Tips for Pets:

There are numerous heat-related services available for residents:

Cool Down St. Louis is helping area seniors and the disabled with their air-conditioning and utilities; and area low-income households may also apply for utility assistance only, at 314-241-7668, or the Cool Down St. Louis website.

For information on cooling sites, contact the United Way of Greater St. Louis Information Referral line at 1-800-427-4626 or if calling from a land line phone, dial 2-1-1. 

For help with a serious heat related illness, call 911.

Immediately report animals in distress to the St. Louis Citizens’ Service Bureau by calling 314-622-4800 or contact Stray Rescue of St. Louis at 314-771-6121 ext 255 

Additional tips on child safety and child injury prevention can be found at safekids.org. 

Additional tips on safety related to extreme heat can be found on the CDC website.

Public health officials from the City of St. Louis Department of Health will be available for telephone and on-camera interviews throughout Heat Advisory period. Contact Harold Bailey at 314-657-1568 or baileyh@stlouis-mo.gov to schedule an interview.