DETROIT – As we face the harsh reality of high heat for the remainder of the week, it’s crucial to understand the rapid and severe impact it can have on all of us.
Whether you label it a sizzler or a swamp, there’s no denying the misery that Monday (June 17) brought with its intense heat and severe thunderstorm across Metro Detroit.
“It’s Michigan in the best way to describe it,” said Detroit native Jeffrey Reed.
Reed showed his family, who are from Washington, D.C., around during the extreme temperatures.
“I came here to escape D.C. weather came here, and here we are again,” said Matthew Baldwin.
“It’s humid, it’s thick like we say in D.C., it’s almost like you can cut it with a knife,” said Howard Maupin.
Fortunately, our community is stepping up to make everyone feel at home in the city.
While residents of Florida and Arizona may be accustomed to high heat and humidity, we are not. That’s why multiple communities, including Pontiac, have established cooling centers, such as two senior centers, to provide relief.
“Open up for anybody, not just seniors but for anybody that wants to come in and relax,” said Pontiac Parks and Recreation Director Tarrance Price. “Get some good cool AC, grab some water, and enjoy some activities.”
Dr. Frank McGeorge says the elderly and the very young are most susceptible to heat-related problems.
“Older people, especially if you have health problems, as we age, our ability to increase our sweating and the ability to control our heart rate and adjust our body temperature just is not as efficient,” said McGeorge.
Physicians advise residents to be vigilant if they’re on blood pressure medication like diuretics.
“If you begin symptoms, particularly light headiness, headache or if you feel dehydrated and become less sweaty, those are more serious signs that you need to seek more medical attention in an emergency department,” McGeorge said.
