Excessive heat invades area

By Uriah A. Kiser

Published: June 8, 2008

STAFFORD — With excessive hot weather in the forecast for the next week, Stafford Fire and Rescue officials say the extreme temperatures can kill.

The temperature at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Stafford Regional Airport was 97 degrees. With the heat index in place it felt like 104 degrees.

The National Weather Service has forecasted daytime high temperatures above 90 degrees through Thursday.

Stafford Fire and Rescue officials remind residents and visitors to drink more fluids, replace salts and minerals, schedule outdoor activities accordingly, and pace yourself if you have to be outside.

“Historically, from 1979-2003, excessive heat exposure caused 8,015 deaths in the United States. During this period, more people in this country died from extreme heat than from hurricanes, lightning, tornados, floods, and earthquakes combined,” said Mark Stone, spokesperson for the Stafford Fire and Rescue, in a released statement.

Stone also said residents should wear light clothing and avoid leaving children and pets in cars.

More tips about beating the heat can be found at staffordfirerescue.com.