Extreme Heat Advisory Through July 4th Holiday Weekend

A heat advisory is in effect for our area Wednesday, July 1, from 11am - 8pm, with an extreme heat watch from Thursday morning, July 2, through the evening of Friday, July 3.

Real-feel temperatures are forecast to be in excess of 100 degrees, with heat indices from 106-114 degrees.

The Fluvanna County Library will be open as a community cooling center: 

• Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4, as a cooling center (see below for more information.)

Community locations (updated as needed) that will be open to provide space to get out of the heat : 

• Fork Union Baptist Church, 4745 James Madison Hwy, Fork Union, Va 23055,  be open Wednesday July 1st  through Friday July 3rd from 9am -5pm each day for anyone who needs a break from the heat.   If you are working in the area or if you do not have air conditioning, stop by and enjoy a cold drink in the AC.  

Stay Safe During Extreme Heat Events (tips from Ready.gov)

• Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day.
• If air conditioning is not available in your home find a cooling center.
• Take cool showers or baths.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Use your oven less to help reduce the temperature in your home.
• If you’re outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face. 
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Avoid high-energy activities or outdoor work during midday heat if possible.
• Check on family members, older adults and neighbors.
• Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Signs of heat stroke:
  • Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees F)
  • Red, hot and dry skin with no sweat
  • Rapid, strong pulse
  • Dizziness, confusion or unconsciousness
  • If you suspect heat stroke, call 9-1-1 or take the person to a hospital immediately. If possible, move the person suffering from heat stroke into a cool, shaded area. Remove any outer clothing. Place a cold, wet cloth or ice pack on the head, neck, armpits, and groin. Alternatively, soak the person’s clothing with cool water. Elevate their feet.
• Consider pet safety. If your pets are outside make sure they have plenty of cool water and access to comfortable shade. Asphalt and dark pavement can be very hot to your pet’s feet.
• Heat waves may cause you to lose power. Visit Power Outages to learn how to stay safe.

Tips to Conserve Energy During Peak Demand (From our friends at Central Virginia Electric Cooperative)

• Adjust Your Thermostat
  • Set your thermostat 2–4 degrees higher during peak hours and use ceiling fans to stay comfortable since they use far less energy than AC.
• Delay Major Appliance Use
  • Avoid running dishwashers, washers/dryers, and ovens during peak hours. Instead, run them later in the evening or early in the morning.
• Turn Off and Unplug
  • Turn off lights, TVs, and electronics when not in use and unplug chargers and devices that draw power even when idle.
    • Block Heat from Entering Your Home
• Close blinds and curtains, especially on sun-facing windows. Keep doors and windows closed while the AC is running.
• Reduce Hot Water Use
• Take shorter showers and avoid using hot water during peak hours. Wash laundry in cold water if possible.
• Shift Your Energy Use
  • Charge devices, electric vehicles, or tools outside peak times. Pre-cool your home earlier in the day if possible.

Updates will be provided as necessary.