Union, MO

Here’s how to keep yourself, your family, your pets and your house safe and comfortable during this heat wave:

Everyone

• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing and wide-brimmed hat.
• Rest frequently and seek shade.
• Listen to your body and take breaks as needed.
• Avoid exercise or strenuous physical activity outside.
• Drink plenty of fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol.
• Carry drinks and a snack if you're going to be out for a long time.
• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
• Monitor the forecast.
• Stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine, if air conditioning is not available.
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors.
• Eat well-balanced, light and regular meals.

Children

• Don't keep babies outside for more than 15 minutes at a time.
• Keep children shaded. Use sunscreen.
• Never leave any child alone in a parked car.

Senior citizens

• Run errands in the morning, before the strongest heat of the day. Don’t be out for long periods of time.
• Ask for help if you do not have air conditioning. Stay with friends or family as needed. Many senior centers and community centers are open.

Pets

• Provide your pet with shade and plenty of fresh water.
• Do not over-exercise pets in hot weather and try to keep them indoors.
• Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle.
• Do not leave pets unsupervised around swimming pools - not all dogs are good swimmers. If your dog does swim, rinse it off afterward to remove chlorine or salt from the fur and do not let dogs drink the pool water.
• You can trim the longer hair on your dog but do not shave it. The layers of fur protect dogs from overheating and sunburn.
• Do not walk your dog on hot asphalt. Paw pads can burn.
• Excessive panting, ignoring commands, increased heart or breathing, drooling, weakness, vomiting and fever are signs of heat stroke. If you have concerns, contact a veterinarian.