Area localities are monitoring today’s forecasted triple-digit temperatures and heat index.
In response to excessive heat forecast for this week, Micah Ecumenical Ministries’ Hospitality Center will remain open until 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Fredericksburg area, along with much of the east coast up to New England and a large portion of the central U.S., is under a heat advisory through 8 p.m. Tuesday. Temperatures are expected to rise to 102 degrees with a heat index of 113 degrees.
The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for Monday as well, and Micah’s Hospitality Center was open until 5 p.m. in response.
The advisory states that high temperatures and humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur. It urges people to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room out of the sun, and reschedule “strenuous activities” to the early morning or evening if possible.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends that those who work outside should take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.
In Spotsylvania, the Fire, Rescue & Emergency Management department will monitor conditions for any long-term power outages or “other situations that may require consideration for activation of the Local/Disaster Mass Care Plan,” spokeswoman Michelle McGinnis said.
She said public facilities, libraries, malls, movie theaters, and restaurants are considered “cooling centers” during their normal business hours.
Fredericksburg City also does not have plans yet to open a city-wide cooling center, unless there is a mass power outage, spokeswoman Sonja Cantu said.
“At this time, we are planning to focus on public information about heat safety. And encouraging the public to subscribe to FredericksburgAlert.com where we notify the community about emergencies,” Cantu said.
“[Fredericksburg] is in an unhealthy range for working outside, and it is recommended that work be limited to 15 minutes with a 45-minute break in a cool area (preferably with air conditioning),” a public information post from the City states. “Libraries, shopping centers/malls, and museums are just some examples of indoor areas that can provide relief from the heat.”
In Stafford as well, emergency management is directing individuals in need of heat relief to public facilities, such as the Howell and Porter branches of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, during business hours, spokesman Andrew Spence said.
“We also encourage residents to stay cool, drink liquids and follow CDC’s procedure for Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke,” Spence wrote in an email.
By Adele Uphaus
MANAGING EDITOR & CORRESPONDENT
Email Adele
