Dangerous Heat Expected Through Saturday

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch from noon Thursday through 8pm Saturday.

While actual highs will be in the mid to upper 90s, the heat index--which factors in the effect of humidity--could reach 105 on Thursday and 110 on Friday, according to the weather service.

Met Ed, which provides electricity to some eastern Northampton County residents, has asked its customers to voluntarily conserve electricity between 2pm and 6pm Thursday. Some of the steps Met Ed is asking its customers to take include:

• Using fans instead of air conditioners if health permits doing so.
• Minimizing use of major appliances such as washers and dryers.
• Minimizing use of non-essential appliances and lights.
• Avoiding needlessly opening and closing refrigerators.

Northampton County's Area Agency on Aging is lending electric fans during the heat wave to help senior citizens in their homes. The agency is located in the Governor Wolf Building at 45 N. Second St. in Easton. Residents should call ahead. The number is 610-559-3245.

The combination of excessive heat and humidity can also create a dangerous situation during which heat illness is possible. :

• Drink plenty of fluids but avoid alcohol.
• Stay in an air conditioned room or spend time in an air conditioned public place, such as a mall, shopping center or library.
• Stay out of the sun.
• Check on neighbors--particularly the sick and the elderly.
• Keep your pets inside with plenty of cool water.