Heat Index Soars: Fredericksburg Makes Moves, Urges Caution

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — With potentially life-threatening high temperatures zeroing in on the area at least through Sunday, Fredericksburg's Emergency Services teams is "closely monitoring the forecast and preparing for extreme heat expected to impact the Commonwealth all weekend." Specifically, the city has the following suggestions, aside from patronizing shopping centers and restaurants:

City Swimming Pool: City residents seeking to remain cool at Doris E. Buffett Swimming Pool this weekend receive free admission by showing proof of City of Fredericksburg residency. Guests and non-residents are welcome and will be charged daily admission fees. Pool hours are 11:30am - 7:00pm Saturday and Sunday. The pool is located in Dixon Park, 1300 Dixon Street. More information is available online www.fredparksrec.com or by calling (540) 310-0665.

Water Conservation: Although no mandatory water conservation restrictions are currently in place, residents and businesses are encouraged to reduce non-essential usage of water during the heat wave to help conserve water for human consumption purposes. Activities such as car washing, exterior house cleaning, and irrigation should be limited to help minimize impacts upon the City’s drinking water system.

Outdoor water fountains: Outdoor drinking water fountains can be found at the following locations:

• VCR trailhead at Essex Street
• Canal trail at the City dog park
• Hurkamp Park, next to the restrooms
• Maury playground
• Alum Springs Park

Indoor water fountains are available at the Rappahannock Regional Library and other public buildings.

The National Weather Service says it's possible it could feel like 110 to 115 degrees or greater Saturday and Sunday with temperatures in the mid-90s to around 100 degrees and dewpoints in the low- to mid-70s.

With temperatures that hot, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are possible. People should drink plenty of fluids and stay in an air-conditioned room whenever possible. If you don't have an air conditioner, spending a few hours at a cooling center might be your best best.

To prevent heat exhaustion or heat stroke, experts recommend the following tips:

• Drink more fluids than usual, and don't wait until you're thirsty to drink more fluids.
• Avoid alcohol or liquids that contain high amounts of sugar.
• Check on friends and neighbors, particularly those who are caring for young children and those who are elderly.
• Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible.
• Stay out of the sun. Find a shaded area where you can sit and relax, particularly during the hottest parts of the day.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Add a hat if you must be outside.
• Limit outdoor activities, especially at mid-day. If you exercise outdoors, move your workout to a morning or evening time, take it indoors to an air-conditioned environment, or try swimming, which is a great summer exercise.
• If you work outside, wear sunscreen and re-apply frequently, pace your activity, stay hydrated and check on co-workers.
• Take cool showers or baths to cool down, particularly if you're unable to be in an air-conditioned location.
• Avoid turning on your oven, if possible. It will make your house hotter.
• Never leave young children or pets in parked cars, even with the windows down.