Gadsden / Etowah County
Emergency Management Agency
P.O. Box 267 * Gadsden, Alabama 35902
4610 Airport Road * Gadsden, AL 35904
(256) 549-4575* http://www.GECEMA.com/
Email: ema@cityofgadsden.com
NEWS RELEASE
DATE: July 21, 2022 TIME: 9:00 a.m.
CONTACT: EMA 256.549.4575 (Office)
ema@cityofgadsden.com
• Heat Advisory from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Precautionary and Preparedness actions
• Cooling Centers open today
A Heat Advisory issued by the National Weather Service remains in effect from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. today, July 21, 2022. Heat index values up to 105 degrees are possible for portions of East Central Alabama, including Etowah County. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur.
Warm temperatures with high humidity values will lead to heat index values approaching 105 degrees for all of Etowah County, each afternoon through Friday. The Heat Index is a measure of how hot it really feels when relative humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature. Your GECEMA wants to take this time to remind all citizens of the importance of heat safety. Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, and heat related illnesses can occur within a short period of exposure. Some populations are more susceptible to heat related illnesses: young children and infants, older adults, people with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, and those who work outdoors.
Remember these tips:
• It is NEVER safe to leave an infant, toddler, disabled person, senior, or pet locked in a car. LOOK before you LOCK!
• Heat Exhaustion = Dizzy or faint, excessive sweating, clammy/cold skin, nausea or vomiting, weak/rapid pulse, muscle cramps
• Heat Stroke = Throbbing headache/ confusion, NO sweating, body temperature above 103 degrees, red/hot/dry skin, nausea or vomiting, rapid/strong pulse, may lose consciousness.
• When outdoors – slow down, take frequent breaks in the shade, dress appropriately, and minimize your exposure to the sun
• Eat light and drink plenty of water (not very cold).
• Provide adequate shelter and water for pets.
There are three cooling stations in Gadsden. Their days of operation and times vary. They include the Gadsden Public Library, the Salvation Army, and the Freedom Center.