June 14, 2000

Outdoor thermometers inch past 100 degrees. Air conditioners labor to keep indoor temperatures comfortable and everyone is complaining.

Let's fact it … it's just plain hot.

Tuesday's high was 95 degrees, according to the Turlock Irrigation District. Temperatures could reach as high as 108 today and 110 Thursday before a cooling trend later in the week.

Turlock Irrigation District Public Information Specialist Jim Freschi says the District is doing everything it can to continue to supply electricity to its more than 50,000 residential customers in its 425 square mile operating territory during the current heat wave.

"We will have all of our power plants operating during this time with state-mandated reserves to meet any increased power needs during extremely hot weather like we are experiencing this week," Freschi said.

TID expects to hit peak load records today since overnight temperatures were higher on Monday and Tuesday, Freschi said.

Due to the partly cloudy conditions on Monday, temperatures did not cool in the overnight hours which caused temperatures to rise more rapidly on Tuesday with minimal cooling Tuesday night.

Electrical brownouts could be a problem with temperatures moving higher throughout the state, but Freschi said, "We expect to be able to meet all of our demands. But if statewide demands are high we could ask our customers to cut back on their energy use."

TID recommends the following to help to stay comfortable while cutting back on your energy costs:

• Open windows at night to allow air to come into the house.
• Open upper vents in older homes to let hot air escape.
• Close the house in the morning to help retain the cooler air from the night before.
• Close blinds, shades and drapes to better block out the sun's rays.
• Use house or ceiling fans to keep the air flowing.
• An exhaust fan in the window will take out warm air and pull in cool air.
• Use a dehumidifier. You feel cooler in dry air than in moist air and dehumidifier is cheaper to operate than an air conditioner.
• Do laundry, run the swimming pool pump and if on a domestic well, water plants and lawn either early in the morning or late at night, avoiding peak usage hours of 3 to 6 p.m.

• Keep thermostat set between 76 and 78 degrees.
• Do not cool unused rooms.
• When leaving the home for extended times, turn off the air conditioning.
• Make gradual changes in temperature to allow your body to adjust more slowly to new levels.
• Check the accuracy of your thermostat and make sure it is in good working order.
• Check your air conditioner to make sure it is operating as efficiently as possible.

Area health officials have also recommended residents take precautions against heat-related illness.

Penny Rorex, a spokesperson for Emanuel Medical Center, says people must be certain to drink adequate water, use sunscreen and stay indoors as much as possible.

For anyone with questions about heat exhaustion, heat stroke or dehydration or would like more information about staying healthy and safe in the summer heat, Emanuel Medical Center can help through its free Nurse Call program.

By dialing (888) 835-5276, callers can access the 24-hour a day program and talk with a nurse or listen to hundreds of health-related topics in the audio library.

After dialing the toll free number, to access summer-related topics, press 1 to access the audio library. Then enter either 7442 for heat stress information, 4921 for help with sunburn or 7529 which discusses fluid replacement.

Dr. John Payne, public health officer for the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency said, "It is important to remember that there are two different heat-related illnesses."

He said heat exhaustion is identified by flu-like symptoms, fatigue and sweating, while the more severe heat stroke is recognized by a sudden stop of sweat, rapid rise of body temperature or seizures.

"It's important for people to remember if they are going to be outside on really hot days to wear a hat, limit exposure whenever possible and drink plenty of fluids. Water or sports drinks are preferable to other types of beverages that may actually deplete the body of needed fluids, "Payne said.

He also said certain psychiatric, hypertension, and cardiac medications limit the body's ability to cope with high temperatures and the body's ability to cope with heat by dehydrating or limiting the sweat response.

Reprinted by permission of The Turlock Journal.