With weekend temperatures forecast to reach 100 degrees, Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced that state agencies and the Governor’s Office are working together under "Operation Stay Cool" to help ensure that Minnesotans stay safe during the heat wave.

"People around the rest of the nation may think of Minnesota as a cool place, but we’re about to see how hot things can get up here," Governor Pawlenty said. "During this heat wave, it’s important for Minnesotans to take care of themselves and one another. State government will do our part by providing services to those in need."

The Governor said that staff from his office and several state agencies – including the Departments of Health, Natural Resources, Human Services, Agriculture, Commerce, and Public Safety – are coordinating efforts to help Minnesotans during the extremely warm weather. The Department of Health cautioned that people need to avoid getting overheated and to make sure that family, friends and neighbors do the same as an anticipated heat wave heads toward Minnesota.

"Extreme temperatures can cause serious, potentially fatal health problems," Minnesota Commissioner of Health Dianne Mandernach said. "However, people can help prevent heat–related illness by keeping cool and drinking plenty of liquids."

According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention statistics, extreme heat causes more weather–related deaths in the U.S. than all other forms of severe weather combined.

"In a heat wave, the majority of victims are older individuals and people with pre–existing and chronic medical conditions," Mandernach said. "We strongly urge people to visit vulnerable family and friends — often — to make sure they take proper steps to prevent heat exhaustion, heat stroke and other heat–related illnesses."

Others at greater risk from extreme temperatures include pregnant women, children, people who are taking certain regular medications, individuals who work in a high–heat environment, people engaged in strenuous physical activity and people who are mentally ill, Mandernach said.

However, even young, healthy individuals are susceptible, she said. Two major types of heat–related illness exist. Heat exhaustion is non–life–threatening; heat stroke is potentially fatal.

Early warning signs of heat exhaustion include decreased energy, slight loss of appetite, faintness, light–headedness and nausea, Mandernach said. People with these symptoms should seek a cool place, drink fluids, remove excess clothing and rest. Heat stress needs attention, but it is not a medical emergency.

Serious signs that indicate a medical emergency and require immediate medical attention include unconsciousness, rapid heartbeat, throbbing headache, dry skin, chest pain, mental confusion, irritability, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle cramps, staggering and difficulty breathing, she said. In an emergency, dial 911, move the heat–stressed person to a cool area and remove his or her excess clothing, spray the individual with water and fan him or her until help arrives.

"If the weather service issues a heat warning, people need to make an even greater effort to keep cool, drink more liquids and limit activity," Mandernach said.

More information:

Department of Health
Health Alert Network
When the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory or warning, MDH uses the Health Alert Network to send alerts to state and local agencies. These alerts prepare local agencies to deal with heat-related emergencies. The alerts also trigger any local heat plans, which are the responsibility of local emergency managers. MDH is prepared to provide information about heat related illnesses and steps people can take to prevent them. United Way 2-1-1 is also prepared to provide heat-related information.

SuperHot
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is working with government agencies and private organizations to develop local plans for responding to weather alerts issued by the National Weather Service. The SuperHot coalition includes United Way 2-1-1, the Red Cross, Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and local government agencies. SuperHot is ensuring that messages regarding self-protection are consistent and appropriate.

Protect Against Heat Related Illness
• Drink plenty of non–alcoholic liquids — warm or cool — to prevent dehydration; avoid caffeine. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or if you take “water pills” (diuretics), ask how much you should drink in hot weather.
• Curtail outdoor activities if possible; wear a hat and sunscreen if you must be outdoors. Wear loose, lightweight clothing.
• Use air conditioning if you have it. Just two hours a day can help prevent heat–related illness.
• If you do not have air conditioning, try to spend at least two hours in an air–conditioned shopping mall, restaurant, library, theater or other building. Close shades, blinds and curtains in your home during the day, but keep windows open slightly for air circulation. Open windows and window coverings at night.
• Use fans to blow trapped hot air out windows; do not allow fans to blow on you or others in extreme high temperatures and humidity — approximately 90 degrees with humidity greater than 35 percent — because this increases heat stress.
• Avoid using the stove and oven.
• Eat small meals more often. Fruits, vegetables and salads are best.
• Shower or bathe in water that is near skin temperature.
• Keep lights low or off.
• Postpone vacuuming or running other electric appliances that generate heat.
• If taking regular medication, consult with your physician. Some medications cause adverse reactions in hot weather.
• Do not use salt tablets unless directed to do so by a doctor.
• Provide extra water and a cool area for pets.
• Never leave anyone - infants, children, frail adults, or pets - alone in cars.

More Health Info
• Visit the MDH Web site at www.health.state.mn.us. Click on “Heat–related illness” under “Hot Topics.”
• For recorded heat information in a variety of languages other than English, call the ECHO (Emergency and Community Health Outreach) phone service at 888-883-8831.

Department of Commerce

Peak Power
High temperatures and humidity increase the demand for electricity as homes and businesses use more air conditioning. In the unlikely event that the electric transmission or distribution system becomes overloaded, some customers might experience interruptions in service. While this is not currently a problem, the Department of Commerce has contacted Minnesota electric utilities regarding their “peak alert” programs to notify customers to take action if and when demand becomes too much for the system. Important voluntary actions include keeping the thermostat set at 78 or higher and delaying the use of electrical appliances until after 7 p.m.

Utility disconnections
As part of the energy legislation signed by Governor Pawlenty in 2003, Minnesota utilities may not disconnect residential electricity service when an excessive heat watch, heat advisory, or excessive heat warning has been issued by the National Weather Service.

Stay Cool, Save Energy Dollars
• Close shades during the day to reduce solar heat gains.
• Use cross ventilation. Put a fan blowing in a window on the cool side of the house to push out hot air while pulling cool air into the rest of the house
• Set the thermostat at 78° or higher—a reasonably comfortable and energy efficient indoor temperature. A 78° setting will save about 15 percent or more on cooling costs over a 72° setting.
• Clean or replace air conditioning filters at least once a month.
• Turn off the air conditioner when you are going to be gone for several hours and draw the shades to keep heat out. It takes less energy to re-cool the house when you return than it does to keep it cool while you are gone.
• Go easy on hot water — it produces both heat and humidity.
• Use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans when cooking or bathing to remove unwanted moisture quickly.
• Reduce the use of artificial lighting because lights produce heat
• Avoid using the dry cycle on your automatic dishwasher; allow dishes to air-dry instead.

Minnesota Department of Transportation

Road Blowups
Extreme heat can cause highway pavement to buckle, posing a potential traffic hazard for motorists. While roads are more durable and less susceptible to blowups than ever, Mn/DOT will station equipment near areas known for previous road blowups. Some examples include I-35W south of Minneapolis and Hwy 61 near Hastings. Motorists who come across highway blow-ups should call 911 so a Mn/DOT maintenance crew can respond.

Weekend Construction
• Motorists won't have to endure weekend detours on I-494 through Eden Prairie. The last closure for this stretch of road was last weekend, so delays will be minimal.
• Mn/DOT will not close lanes at the I-35E and I-94 Capitol interchange where restriping had been scheduled. The project has been delayed because of the heat.
• Work on "Unweave the Weave" reconstruction at I-35E & I-694 north of St. Paul will continue. Traffic will be lighter than on weekdays, so if there are delays it will be because of those slowing down to watch the work.
• Motorists should dial 511 or log on to http://511mn.org for statewide roadway information.

Department of Natural Resources

Forest Fires
The Minnesota Interagency Fire Council (MIFC) in Grand Rapids reports that there are approximately 4-5 small fires a day. The current wildfire index is “high” and continued dry weather could increase the fire danger level within the next two weeks. Presently, there are no State or Federal burning restrictions. The MIFC has positioned planes and a helicopter in Hibbing, Bemidji, Grand Rapids, and Ely to fight possible fires.

Stream Flow
Conditions When dry conditions cause Minnesota streams to drop below established minimum flow levels, the DNR suspends surface water appropriation permits to protect instream flow values. Updates are posted on the DNR website. Priorities for water appropriation are set by statute. If conditions worsen, the Drought Task Force will be convened as provided for in the State Drought Plan.

Department of Agriculture

Crops
While it's too early to know the full extent of damage to crops around the state, the July 10 National Agriculture Statistics Service crop and weather report shows crop conditions continuing to decline around the state. Nearly two-thirds of the state has topsoil moisture rated "short" or "very short." Pockets of northwestern and central Minnesota are especially dry. The corn crop is at a particularly sensitive stage in its development during July, so weather conditions in the coming weeks will be key. MDA is continuing to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to evaluate the condition of the state's crops.

Livestock
The potential for livestock deaths can increase during extremely hot weather, particularly in poultry operations if air handling systems become inoperative due to a power failure. The Board of Animal Health veterinarians recommend that livestock producers and pet owners take steps to protect their animals:
• Provide plenty of shade and water for cattle and other animals kept outdoors, whether on pasture or in the yard
• Maintain proper ventilation for livestock kept indoors
• Have a backup plan for providing adequate ventilation for indoor animals in case of power failure

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Air Quality
The MPCA air monitoring staff is watching for temperature trends and other weather forecasts (i.e. wind) that may affect the Air Quality. The current forecast for air quality is "moderate" despite the expected hot temperatures. However, if there is a significant change in wind patterns, the conditions might become unhealthy for sensitive groups and MPCA would issue an advisory to the news media. An alert occurs when the Air Quality Index reaches 100 and sensitive populations (children with asthma, adults with respiratory problems) need to take action to reduce strenuous activities. Minnesota residents can signup to receive an email alert if the Air Quality reaches unhealthy levels at: www.pca.state.mn.us/air/aqi-subscribe.html