As dangerous heat and humidity continue across northwest Iowa, Sioux County Emergency Management is encouraging residents to take precautions and seek relief from the heat when needed.
Heat index values climbed above 100 degrees Monday, and forecasters say hot and humid conditions are expected to continue through much of the week, with afternoon temperatures reaching the upper 80s to mid-90s.
To help residents stay safe, Sioux County Emergency Management has partnered with public libraries across the county to serve as cooling shelters during their normal business hours.
Sioux County Emergency Management Coordinator Ryan De Kruyf says the idea came from a fellow emergency manager elsewhere in the state and quickly gained support locally.
“The support that we’ve received during severe weather and different weather events has been quite incredible. I always tell people that I’m very proud of the area that I live in because everybody just steps up and helps everybody.”
The following libraries are serving as cooling shelters:
•Boyden Public Library
•Hawarden Public Library
•Hospers Public Library
•Hull Public Library
•Orange City Public Library
•Sioux Center Public Library
The facilities are available during their regular business hours and provide a safe, air-conditioned place for anyone needing relief from the heat.
De Kruyf says prolonged stretches of extreme heat can put a strain not only on people, but also on infrastructure, including the electrical grid, as air conditioners run nearly continuously. He is encouraging residents to conserve energy when possible and to look out for neighbors, pets, and others who may be more vulnerable to the heat.
“The biggest thing is just watch out for yourself and others, take frequent breaks, make sure you hydrate yourself, keep an eye on animals and pets in this kind of weather is a big thing, too.”
For those who must spend time outdoors, De Kruyf says staying ahead of dehydration is critical.
“It’s pretty hard to get caught up on your water intake if you do have to work out in the heat, but it’s pretty easy to get ahead of the game and actually pre-hydrate yourself,” De Kruyf says.
Emergency officials also encourage residents to:
•Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty.
•Take frequent breaks and seek shade whenever possible.
•Keep electrolyte drinks or supplements on hand.
•Check on elderly neighbors, family members, and other vulnerable individuals.
•Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle.
•Keep extra bottles of water in vehicles in case of an emergency or breakdown.
Additional cooling shelter locations could be added if needed, and Sioux County Emergency Management says updates will be posted on its social media channels as the hot weather continues.
