Lexington rolls out heat plan as temperatures climb

Cooling centers open, services adjusted as heat index nears 95 degrees

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – The ABC 36 Storm Team is reporting hot temperatures heading into this weekend.

The heat is on for the Bluegrass, as many crank up the A/C and look to stay cool, the city of Lexington is rolling out Phase One of its heat plan for the rest of the week.

“Phase one of the heat plan is when the heat index is forecast-ed to reach 95 degrees, it’s not how hot it is outside it’s how hot it feels, it’s a combination of heat and humidity,” said Emily Fay with Lexington KY Emergency Management.

Phase One of the plan puts a lot in motion to help the city keep cool.

That includes cooling stations opened in locations like Arbor Youth Services, Lexington Rescue Mission, and many other organizations. The city will also provide Lex Tran rides to cooling stations. Meanwhile, trash services will start earlier in the day — and supplies will be handed out in the community.

Fay says if you’re working in the heat, it’s important to be especially vigilant in keeping cool.

“Make sure you stay hydrated if you have to work outside take frequent breaks and wear light loose fitting clothing and those lighter fabrics that breathe really well, and of course staying hydrated wearing sunscreen, you want to avoid those liquids that have a lot of sugar and caffeine and alcohol, because those can make you more dehydrated,” said Fay.

Experts also say it’s important to keep your pets in mind, if the sidewalk is too hot for the back of your hand, officials say it can pose a threat to your pets. And if you’re getting an early start to the weekend, and trying to catch a tan, experts say you’ll need to bring more than just sunscreen.

“Oh yeah you can quickly overheat just by laying out to get a little tan,” said Fay. “Laying out in the sun can dehydrated you and make you overheat just as quick and you can be surprised how fast because you’re not expecting it, so stay hydrated, wear sunscreen because when you get a sunburn it make it harder for your body to regulate heat,” said Fay.

In addition, Fay says even when it’s cloudy out you can still get a sunburn and overheat.