The temperatures are blazing, and it appears that the summer could be one of the hottest Gordon County has seen in years.

According to Gordon County Emergency Management Agency Director Richard Cooper, a full on heat wave will hit Gordon County in full force this weekend with temperatures expected to be in the triple digits in several parts of Georgia.

With extreme heat being the No. 1 weather-related killer in the United States, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, residents should heed caution.

“Extreme heat can be dangerous and deadly, particularly for the elderly and infants, but staying indoors and drinking plenty of water will help you stay cool and hydrated when temperatures rise,” said Cooper.

In order to properly prepare for the heat, Ready Georgia, a statewide emergency preparedness campaign created by the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and Homeland Security offers tools need to make an emergency supply kit, develop a communications plan and stay informed about potential threats.

For more information, visit www.ready.ga.gov.

Gordon County EMA 10 Tips to Beat the Heat



1. Insulate your home by installing weather stripping around your doors and window sills to keep the cool air inside.



2. Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.



3. Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.



4. Familiarize yourself with the medical conditions that can result from over-exposure to heat, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke to help lessen health threats and harm.



5. Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.



6. Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.



7. Postpone outdoor activities and take shelter in a home, building or hard top automobile if severe weather is headed your way.



8. Make sure pets have plenty of water and shade, be careful to not over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot.



9. Conserve water in your household to help prevent drought: wash only full loads of dishes and laundry, fix household leaks and install low-flow toilets and showerheads.



10. Closely monitor a local radio station, TV station or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest information on excessive heat watches and warnings.

For more information, contact Gordon County EMA at 706-602-2905.