Another Heat Advisory For Vienna, Fairfax County Today

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for Vienna and Fairfax County between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. Friday.

Though temperatures aren't expected to be quite as high as they were , they could still break 100 degrees. The National Weather Service predicts temperatures in the upper 90s or lower 100s – with the heat index, they will reach 105 to 109.

The advisory was issued because of the combination of the heat and high humidity, which increase the odds of heat-related illness.

Vienna Volunteer Fire Department Chief John Morrison said last week some signs of heat exhaustion include:

• Complaints of Light Headedness/Dizziness
• Altered Mental Status/ “Clouded Judgment”
• Rapid Pulse
• Extreme or limited amounts of sweating

To avoid injury or illness, he said, residents should

• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages
• Avoid outside activity as much as possible.  If you have to do work outside, keep hydrated and take frequent breaks in a cool place.
• Wear loose fitting, light weight, light colored clothing
• Make sure pets are taken care of.  Keep them inside in the cool, and don’t ever lock them in a vehicle, even for short periods of time.

Certain people are more susceptible to heat-related illness, including the elderly, young children and people who are sick or disabled. These groups should take special precautions when the mercury rises.

Older adults, however, may ignore heat warnings because they don’t consider themselves old, according to recent reports from MSNBC.

Residents should try to spend the hottest part of the day in an air-conditioned location, such as a local library, movie theater or mall.