ORLANDO, Fla. — You probably feel it every day now, but it’s hot outside, and Orange County has made plans to help keep residents safe. County leaders have lowered the heat index threshold that triggers additional heat response measures from 108 degrees to 103 degrees. Officials say the move comes as extreme heat becomes more common across the region.
“Those locations are open constantly… We would not turn away anyone that’s seeking any type of relief from the heat at any one of our cooling locations,” said Carlos Durden, emergency manager for the Orange County Office of Emergency Management.
Durden says the cooling locations include air-conditioned libraries, community centers, recreation facilities and splash pads.
He says the county is also partnering with LYNX to help remove transportation barriers for residents seeking relief from the heat.
“Anytime the heat index reaches 103, LYNX will provide free transportation on that route to anyone of our cooling locations,” Durden said.
Health experts say prolonged exposure to a heat index of 103 degrees or higher can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
“Prevention is just recognizing that I might be getting too hot here and to do something about it before you really start getting too hot,” said Dr. Todd Husty, medical director for Seminole County.
Husty says it’s important to pay attention to your body and not wait until symptoms become severe before seeking help.
“Have somebody assist you in the air conditioning, maybe. But if you can’t do it, at least get in the shade. Get some. You can douse yourself with regular water. It’ll help cool you off. Put your feet up. You know, people always forget when they’re feeling lightheaded is that you lay down and put your feet up,” Husty said.
County officials stress residents do not have to wait for a heat advisory to use these resources. They say cooling locations are open year-round during normal business hours and encourage anyone needing relief from the heat to take advantage.