Des Moines, Iowa (RI) — At least 300-thousand people are expected at the Iowa State Fair over its final three days, as the forecast for Des Moines calls for mostly sunny skies and steamy high temperatures back in the 90s Friday through Sunday. (By the way, the heat index this weekend, even in Sheldon, could be over 100 degrees.) Fairgoers are being warned to take precautions to stay safe in the extreme heat.
Lieutenant Mike Miller, of the Des Moines Fire Department, is stationed at the fair and says it’s important to act quickly if you see someone collapse from the heat.
There are usually three or four ambulances stationed at the fair, in addition to “med carts” that can slice through the heavy crowds more quickly. Miller says to pay attention to your body and watch for warning signs that you may be nearing heat exhaustion, like if your vision starts to dim or blur.
One of the biggest keys to staying safe in the heat is to drink plenty of non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated beverages, and keep a close eye on your own health and the people with you.
A CDC report says more than 12-hundred people die nationwide every year as a direct result of extreme heat. The study from the American Heart Association predicts cardiovascular disease deaths related to extreme heat may more than double in the next two decades. heart.org
