Sticky Weather Sticks Around

A Code Red air quality advisory has been issued for Wednesday as the area remains under an excessive heat warning through 6 p.m. Thursday. Code Red means the air is unhealthy for everyone. Temperatures again could reach triple digits with the heat index pushing 110 degrees.

HOW HOT IS IT?

A few from an old Letterman Top 10 List:

• It's so hot, Homeland Security has raised the terror alert to "Sticky"
• It's so hot, drug dealers are selling something called "Iced Crackuccino"
• It's so hot, Michael Moore's making a new movie, "Fahrenheit 98 and Humid"
• It's so hot, Martha Stewart just got an inside tip on air conditioners

  Got some of you're own? Post on our Talkback Comment Board and complete this sentence: "It's so hot..."

  POWER RECORDS

  Utilities are not having a problem meeting demand, but are urging customers to conserve electricity.

  To conserve electricity, utilities recommend:

  • Turning the AC up a few degrees;
  • Closing curtains and blinds to keep it cool inside;
  • Postponing using major appliances until later in the evening;
  • Turning off appliances you're not using.

    TRANSPORTATION
    

    Wednesday's Code Red means buses are free on designated routes in Maryland and Virginia but not in D.C. Passengers can identify Code Red buses by the Code Red bag placed over the bus's farebox. Montgomery County Ride On buses and Arlington County ART buses also are free.

    As it did Tuesday, Metrorail trains will run slower. There will add an extra two to three minutes between trains as Metro conserves energy.

    Metro distributed 21,000 bottles of waters Tuesday to riders outside of rail stations where escalator service is limited.

    If you need to get your car inspected in the District, be aware the city's motor vehicle inspection station located at 1001 Half Street, S.W. will only be open from 5 a.m. until 1 p.m. Wednesday.

    COOLING CENTERS/STREET SHOWERS

    The District has cooling centers open at four locations: 441 4th Street, N.W., 2000 14th Street, N.W. (Reeves Municipal Center), 3720 Martin Luther King, Jr., Avenue, S.E. and 25 M Street, S.W.

    Street showers are operating from noon to 7 p.m. at three D.C. Housing Authority locations: Hopkins Apartment, 1000 12th Street S.E. and 1450 L Street, S.E.; Park Morton, 620 Morton Street, N.W.; and Benning Terrace, 605 46th Place, S.E.; and one public location at 21st Street & Maryland Avenue, N.E.

    FREE ADMISSSION TO POOLS

    In the District, the Department of Parks and Recreation will operate swimming pools from noon until 8 p.m. The pools are free for city residents.

    Montgomery County officials are offering residents free evening admission to the County's seven outdoor public swimming pools this week in an effort to help them beat the heat as temperatures and humidity soar. Click here to find a pool near you.

    TIPS TO BEAT THE HEAT

    With every heat wave, health officials advise your do the following:

    • Avoid prolonged exposure to the heat;
    • Avoid strenuous physical activity;
    • Drink lots of water;
    • Stay indoors as much as possible;
    • Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages -- they can increase the rate of water loss in your body, increasing the risk of heat exhaustion or stroke;
    • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing;
    • Wear a hat to shield yourself from the sun;
    • Use sunscreen;
    • Limit your driving;
    • Gas up your car after dusk;
    • Leave the gas-powered lawn mower in the garage;
    • Don't leave children or pets unaccompanied in cars;
    • Make sure pets and livestock have adequate water and shelter from the sun.

    HEAT AILMENTS

    Too much time in the hot weather can make you sick. The American Red Cross is out with advice on how to treat heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

    Heat Cramps

    • Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest.
    • Lightly stretch the affected muscle and replenish fluids.
    • Don't give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them.
    Heat Exhaustion
    • Get the person out of the heat and into a cooler place.
    • Apply cool, wet cloths.
    • Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes.

    Heat Stroke

    • Help is needed fast.
    • Move the person to a cooler place.
    • Quickly cool the body.
    • Watch for signals of breathing problems.

    (Copyright 2006 by WTOP and The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

    
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