Heat advisory continues

As Nodaway County's heat wave continues, Maryville Public Safety Director Keith Wood is urging citizens to take precautions when venturing outdoors.

Excessive heat should be treated like any other weather emergency, Wood said in a recent advisory.

Those without air conditioning who can't go to a friend's or neighbor's house, are urged to seek relief during the hottest part of the day in one of several local "cooling centers," all of which are air-conditioned and supplied with drinking water.

Maryville centers include the Community Services Inc. office on South Main, Walmart, the Nodaway County Senior Center, the Maryville Public Library and the First United Methodist Church.

Hot weather is also a good time to be a good neighbor. Wood urged residents to check on elderly acquaintances and others who may be stuck inside overheated residences.

In most places across the region, dry weather is as big a concern as hot weather. Crops are becoming badly stressed due to a deepening drought, and wildfire is a growing problem.

With the upcoming 4th of July holiday, a number of northwest Missouri communities have opted to ban fireworks because of concerns about structure and grass fires, however Maryville is not among them.

Still, MPS fire division supervisor Phil Rickabaugh has urged citizens to use a high degree of caution if they

decide to celebrate the Fourth with a flash and a bang.

The city's fireworks display at Mozingo Lake Park Wednesday night will proceed as scheduled, City Clerk Sheila Smail said Monday.

In his advisory, Wood listed a number of precautions people should take as the thermometer hovers around the 100-degree mark, including bringing pets inside or at least making sure they have plenty of shade and fresh water.

Parents are urged not to let children play outside for long periods of time during peak heat hours, and older folks should stay indoors as much as possible, drink plenty of fluids — especially water — and eat light meals.

Grown-ups are also well-advised to limit alcohol consumption and avoid strenuous outdoor activity except in the early morning or late evening when temperatures moderate.

If you have to be outdoors, wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen on exposed skin.

Never leave children or pets inside a vehicle for any amount of time.

Symptoms of heat-related illness include heavy perspiration, dizziness, fatigue, nausea and headaches.

Anyone experiencing such symptoms, should move to a cool place as quickly as possible, drink fluids and cool off with wet towels. Seek emergency medical treatment if symptoms persist.