THOMASVILLE, GA (WALB) - We're suffering through more record or near record heat again this week. Pretty much every town in south Georgia is in the triple digits. We've been in the 90's or above every day for 25 straight days now.
That intense early season heat isn't just uncomfortable, it's dangerous. It can lead to dehydration, heat stroke, and even death. TNT Lawn Care employee Shane Baird says some days the heat is just too much to handle. "Yeah I come inside sometimes when I'm at a house. Being out here all day really gives me like a headache you know. Just makes me feel bad sometimes cause it gets so hot."
Baird says when it's really hot out, it's much easier working at a home than a business. "There's not as much trees and you're just out on that hot asphalt and it really gets to you."
This can lead to a multitude of heat related issues. Emergency personnel say you should always plan ahead. "Prepare yourself if you're going to be outside. You want to drink plenty of fluids the day before and also the day of," said paramedic Mike Morris.
Morris says if you start feeling dizzy or nauseous, you should get out of the heat immediately. "Get in the shade. Get in the cool air. Start hydrating yourself. Drink plenty of fluids. Stay away from caffeine. You need to drink water, Gatorade, stuff like that."
Morris says folks should pay attention to the signs of heat exhaustion. "If you stop sweating when you're out in the heat that's a really bad sign that you got overheated."
The lack of rain has become a major problem. "We really need some rain man. It's real dry around here. It's got a hold of my business too because I'd be a lot busier right now if I had some good rain," said Baird.
The record heat is also an issue for law enforcement. "If we have a major incident that's going to put officers out there and deputies out there in the elements for an extended period of time than we'll make arrangements to get water to them. Get them hydrated and do what we need to do to protect them. If they're down, they can't do their job," said Captain Steve Jones.
Emergency personnel say if you are overheated start by going inside to cool down. But if the problems begin to worsen, do not hesitate to call 911. Young children and the elderly run the greatest risk of experiencing heat related illnesses.
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