Community members give advice on how to beat the heat

CAPE GIRARDEAU Mo. (KBSI) – With temperatures set to hit 90 degrees for the first time this season; many people and pets will need to be on alert about what it takes to avoid heat exhaustion, and some will even need a place to go.

Charlotte Craig has been working with pets for decades; as the President of SEMO Pets, and one of the founding members of the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri. She understands that pets need as much TLC as a human does. Especially when it comes to those scorching hot summer days. When it comes to having outside pets, she likes to remind people on the importance of animals having plenty of food, water, and shade.

“If they have metal bowls for the water, they need to throw those away and get plastic bowls for the water because the metal bowls heat up and the pet will not drink hot water.” Craig said.

Craig and other pet experts additionally warn owners to beware of sidewalks, because concrete and asphalt could potentially burn the pads of your pet’s paws on a hot day. It’s something we might accidentally overlook since we can’t feel the heat of the ground while wearing shoes.

Craig does not recommend taking your pet out while you run errands, because leaving them in your car could be a hazard.

“The engine could stop. In the hot weather it takes a matter of moments for a car that 80 degrees or 85 degrees to shoot up 10 or 15 degrees.” She added.

As for a person’s wellbeing during those agonizingly hot days, Josh Meyer, at the A.C. Brase Arena, reminds us to watch out for heat exhaustion by seeking shade and shelter.

Meyers says, “During those hot months here, we do like to provide our facilities with being a cooling shelter.”

As an Assistant Recreation and Division Manager, he understands the need for air conditioning and gives a list of places in the Cape County area that are open to the public during business hours.

He says, “Right here at the A.C. Brase Arena, Shawnee Park Center, The Osage Center, and Sports Plex.”

If you start to feel weak or dizzy under the sun, it is advised to seek shelter and air conditioning immediately.

“We just encourage everyone to be safe, watch themselves watch their pets. Provide water as much as you possibly can.” Meyers explained.