Mother Nature has once again reminded us of the harsh weather conditions in August. We’re almost two weeks into the month and so far we’ve experienced hot temperatures and hardly any rain. Unfortunately, the forecast doesn’t look too promising.

These safety tips are a great way to prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke in these extreme conditions:

-Dress appropriately. Wear lightly-colored, loose clothes and a hat to cool your head.

-Work around the intense heat. Plan to do heavy, outdoor activities such as mowing or exercising before noon or after 6 p.m.

-Drink plenty of water. Beverages containing alcohol and caffeine can cause dehydration.

-Don’t leave anyone unattended. Never leave pets, children or elderly in parked cars.

-Be cautious when working outside. If you must be outdoors, take frequent indoor breaks and wear sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.

 -Have a cold drink at hand. Freeze a jug of water before you go outside that way it will stay cold and last longer in the heat.

-Stay cool inside. If you don’t have air conditioning, slightly open the windows so the fresh air can still circulate. Spend some time at a mall or community center to cool off.

An earthquake occurs just about every day somewhere in the Midwest, yet many people in the Kansas City area may not know anything about them.  Even though the chance of a damaging earthquake affecting this area is low, there is a need to be aware of the earthquake hazard that exists in Kansas and Missouri. 

This Thursday, February 19, from 6 p.m. to 9 p .m. there will be a town hall meeting at the Platte County Resource Center, 11724 NW Plaza Circle, KCMO, discussing earthquakes in the Midwest.  This program is designed to inform local citizens about our earthquake threat, planning which is taking place to help coordinate the response after a major earthquake in the Midwest, and steps you can take to better prepare for such an event.  Hear from local, state, and federal officials about these topics, ask questions about earthquakes, and take home valuable information for your family, home, or business

For more information, contact Michael O’Neal, Platte County Sheriff’s Emergency Management, at 816-858-2424.