By Elana Gordon
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kcur/local-kcur-978583.mp3
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Kansas City officials are cautioning residents to stay cool and hydrated during this week's excessive heat warning.
Already, this summer's hot weather has brought the number of possible heat related deaths up to 14.
Kansas City Mayor Sly James says this summer is no 1980. That's when health officials reported over 150 heat deaths. But during a news conference at the city's emergency operations center yesterday, James said everyone should take a more active role in preventing heat-related deaths during this severe weather. He says that includes making sure friends, family, and neighbors have access to a cool place.
"What we're trying to do is be more pro-active and save lives as opposed to regret them when they're lost," James said.
The city's 311 call-line is now responding to people who need to get to a cooling center and don't have any way of getting there.
Local health officials say heat illnesses and deaths are often caused by a combination of factors - like the medication a person's taking and how much he or she's been exercising. Symptoms of a heat stroke can include headache, dizziness, and a rapid pulse.
Health officials also warn that using just a fan in hot weather might not enough. In fact, if a person's overheated and is in a hot and humid place, a fan may just push more hot air on him or her and intensify the heat.
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