~ Governor’s Office coordinating with state agencies during heat wave ~

With a Heat Advisory in effect for a large portion of Minnesota, Governor Pawlenty is reminding Minnesotans to stay safe and stay cool during the current hot weather. The Governor’s office is coordinating with state agencies to help Minnesotans during the extreme heat.

“Minnesotans long for warm weather in February, but the excessive heat we are experiencing can be dangerous,” Governor Pawlenty said. “It’s important for Minnesotans to take care of themselves and one another. State government will do our part by providing services to those in need.”

The Department of Health cautioned that people need to avoid getting overheated and to make sure that family, friends and neighbors do the same.

According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention statistics, extreme heat causes more weather–related deaths in the U.S. than all other forms of severe weather combined. The majority of victims are older individuals and people with pre–existing and chronic medical conditions. Visiting vulnerable family and friends is advised to make sure they take proper steps to prevent heat exhaustion, heat stroke and other heat–related illnesses.

Additional information on efforts by state agencies includes:

Department of Health

Health Alert Network
When the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory or warning, MDH uses the Health Alert Network to send alerts to local public health agencies. These alerts prepare local agencies to deal with heat-related emergencies. The alerts also trigger any local heat plans, which are the responsibility of local public health or emergency managers. MDH is prepared to provide information about heat related illnesses and steps people can take to prevent them. United Way 2-1-1 is also prepared to provide heat-related information.

SuperHot
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is working with government agencies and private organizations to develop local plans for responding to hot weather alerts issued by the National Weather Service. The SuperHot coalition includes United Way 2-1-1, the Red Cross, Minnesota Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and local metropolitan area government agencies. SuperHot is ensuring that messages regarding self-protection are consistent and appropriate.

Protect Against Heat Related Illness

• Drink plenty of non–alcoholic liquids — warm or cool — to prevent dehydration; avoid caffeine. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or if you take “water pills” (diuretics), ask how much you should drink in hot weather.
• Curtail outdoor activities if possible; wear a hat and sunscreen if you must be outdoors. Wear loose, lightweight clothing.
• Use air conditioning if you have it. Just two hours a day can help prevent heat–related illness.
• If you do not have air conditioning, try to spend at least two hours in an air conditioned shopping mall, restaurant, library, theater or other building. Close shades, blinds and curtains in your home during the day, but keep windows open slightly for air circulation. Open windows and window coverings at night.
• Use fans to blow trapped hot air out windows; do not allow fans to blow on you or others in extreme high temperatures and humidity — approximately 90 degrees with humidity greater than 35 percent — because this increases heat stress.
• Avoid using the stove and oven.
• Eat small meals more often. Fruits, vegetables and salads are best. · Shower or bathe in water that is near skin temperature.
• Keep lights low or off.
• Postpone vacuuming or running other electric appliances that generate heat.
• If taking regular medication, consult with your physician. Some medications cause adverse reactions in hot weather.
• Do not use salt tablets unless directed to do so by a doctor.
• Provide extra water and a cool area for pets.
• Never leave anyone - infants, children, frail adults, or pets - alone in cars.

More Health Info

• Visit the MDH Web site at www.health.state.mn.us. Click on “Heat–related illness” under “Hot Topics.”
• For recorded heat information in a variety of languages other than English, call the ECHO (Emergency and Community Health Outreach) phone service at 888-883-8831.

Department of Natural Resources

Forest Fires

• The Minnesota Interagency Fire Center (MIFC) in Grand Rapids reports no fires Tuesday. There are approximately four to six small fires most days. Fuels continue to dry and fires require extensive mop-up.
• The current wildfire index is “high.” Fire danger is “extreme” in the Sandstone area. Continued hot, dry weather could increase the fire danger level in more areas of the state.
• The Brown County Sheriff is enforcing burning restrictions. There are no burning permits or campfires allowed in Murray County. Todd, Stearns, Mille Lacs, Benton and Morrison counties also have restrictions in place. Additional restrictions will be added as conditions warrant.
• The MIFC has positioned fire fighting aircraft in Hibbing and helicopters in Hibbing, Bemidji, Grand Rapids, and Ely to fight fires.

Stream Flow Conditions

• When dry conditions cause Minnesota streams to drop below established minimum flow levels, the DNR may suspend surface water appropriation permits to protect in-stream flow values. Priorities for water appropriation are set by statute. If conditions worsen, the Drought Task Force will be convened as provided for in the State Drought Plan.

Water Conservation, Drought Information

• The DNR Web site provides updated drought situation reports, current stream flow information, and water conservation tips at www.mndnr.gov/waters.

Minnesota Department of Transportation

Highways being monitored

• Highways are being monitored in the Twin Cities Metro are by the Regional Transportation Management Center and workers are ready to respond to highway emergencies. Extreme heat can cause highway pavement to buckle, posing a potential traffic hazard for motorists.
• Maintenance crews in southeastern Minnesota are monitoring potential "hot spots" on highways where pavement buckles may occur, or have occurred in the past. Some of these areas include I-90 near Albert Lea and Austin.
• Motorists who come across highway blow-ups should call 911 so a Mn/DOT maintenance crew can respond.

Tips for motorists

• Mn/DOT recommends to motorists prepare for the heat. Breakdowns occur in hot weather, which effects traffic flow and safety. Highways can become blocked by stalls with vehicles overheating in traffic.
• Motorists should inspect their vehicles for proper coolant levels, oil and tire pressure. Proper inspection prevents breakdowns due to overheats or blown tires. For longer trips motorists should carry water for themselves in case they stall.
• Motorists should dial 511 or log on to http://511mn.org for statewide roadway information.

Construction and maintenance projects
As of 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, the agency is proceeding with work as planned. The information below includes Mn/DOT most recent updates:

• Crews will begin landslide cleanup on Highway 61 from Lake City to Wabasha on Wednesday, July 25. As crews perform cleanup work, traffic will be reduced to single lanes, controlled by flaggers. Motorists should expect the lane reductions to add approximately three to five minutes to their drive. Work is scheduled to be completed by Aug. 3.
• The northbound lanes of I-35W between I-94 and Highway 36 will close beginning at 8 p.m. Friday, July 27, through 5 a.m. Monday, July 30. The posted detour will direct motorists to I-94 and Highway 280.
• The ramp from southbound Interstate 35E to eastbound Interstate 694 in Little Canada and Vadnais Heights will reopen to traffic by Thursday evening, July 26. The ramp has been closed since April 16 for reconstruction as part of the Unweave the Weave project.
• There will be intermittent lane restrictions in both directions on I-494 from Concord St. to Hwy 61 beginning July 24 and continuing for the next two weeks. Work is being done to realign I-494 traffic to allow for the reopening of the ramp from Hardman Ave. to westbound I-494.

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Air Quality

• The MPCA air monitoring staff is watching for temperature trends and other weather forecasts that may affect the air quality.
• The MPCA issued an Air Pollution Health Advisory last Sunday through Thursday, July 26. The current Twin Cities air quality forecast is for an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading to reach 90, which is near the threshold that is unhealthy for sensitive groups. Sensitive populations (children and adults with respiratory problems and heart problems) should consider reducing strenuous activities and check the MPCA Air Quality Index for updates.
• An alert occurs when the Air Quality Index reaches 100 and sensitive populations (children with asthma, adults with respiratory and heart problems) need to take action to reduce strenuous activities.
• Minnesota residents can check the Air Quality Index online at http://aqi.pca.state.mn.us/ and signup to receive an email alerts and advisories if the Air Quality reaches unhealthy levels at: www.pca.state.mn.us/air/aqi-subscribe.html. 

Department of Commerce

Peak Power
High temperatures and humidity increase the demand for electricity as homes and businesses use more air conditioning. In the unlikely event that the electric transmission or distribution system becomes overloaded, some customers might experience interruptions in service. While this is not currently a problem, the Department of Commerce has contacted Minnesota electric utilities regarding their “peak alert” programs to notify customers to take action if and when demand becomes too much for the system. Important voluntary actions include keeping the thermostat set at 78 or higher and delaying the use of electrical appliances until after 7 p.m.

Utility disconnections
As part of the energy legislation signed by Governor Pawlenty in 2003, Minnesota utilities may not disconnect residential electricity service when an excessive heat watch, heat advisory, or excessive heat warning has been issued by the National Weather Service.

Stay Cool, Save Energy Dollars
A few things you can do today to reduce the energy use load:

• Close shades during the day to reduce solar heat gains.
• Use cross ventilation. Put a fan blowing in a window on the cool side of the house to push out hot air while pulling cool air into the rest of the house.
• Set the thermostat at 78° or higher-a reasonably comfortable and energy efficient indoor temperature. A 78° setting will save about 15 percent or more on cooling costs over a 72° setting.
• Make sure you air conditioning filter is clean.
• Turn off the air conditioner when you are going to be gone for several hours and draw the shades to keep heat out. It takes less energy to re-cool the house when you return than it does to keep it cool while you are gone.
• Wait until after 7 p.m. to use your washer/dryer, stove/oven or dishwasher, try to avoid the use of these appliances if possible.
• Avoid using the dry cycle on your automatic dishwasher; allow dishes to air-dry instead.
• Go easy on hot water - it produces both heat and humidity. Take shorter, cooler showers.
• Use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans when cooking or bathing to remove unwanted moisture quickly. Turn off the fans when their job is complete.
• Reduce the use of lamps and other lighting because lights produce heat, as well as using electricity.
• Postpone vacuuming or running other small electric appliances that generate heat.
• Unplug unneeded appliances such as computers when not in use, cell-phone charging devices, etc.

Labor and Industry

Hydration, acclimatization help workers beat the heat
Although heat stress may occur year-round in foundries, kitchens or laundries, its effects may sneak up on those working in the heat and humidity of a Minnesota summer. Workers who stay hydrated and are allowed to acclimatize to increased temperatures, can avoid a variety of heat disorders – from heat fatigue, rashes and cramps to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which can be fatal.

Minnesota OSHA has comprehensive heat-stress information online at www.doli.state.mn.us/heatstrs.html that includes a discussion of heat disorders, prevention of disorders, methods for evaluating heat stress and methods of control.

Minnesota Department of Public Safety

Emergency Management
HSEM monitors conditions and prepares for any emergency response that may be needed. Experts work closely with local and county emergency managers, as well as volunteer organizations, to make sure they have access to resources they may need. If there is a major incident caused by the excessive heat, such as a widespread blackout, HSEM will open the state emergency operations center to coordinate the state’s response.

Excessive heat and below average rainfall have produced very dry conditions around the state. HSEM is coordinating with DNR on assessment and response plans if conditions deteriorate to drought status.

Office of Traffic Safety
The Office of Traffic Safety reminds people about safe vehicle operation in hot weather.

• Keep your vehicle’s cooling system well-maintained
• Have at least one-quarter tank of gas (to minimize chance or running out/being stranded)
• Maintain proper pressure in tires
• If traveling long distances, especially in rural areas, travel with drinking water in vehicle
• Have a cell phone for emergency use

Department of Agriculture

Crops
The National Agriculture Statistics Service crop and weather report for July 22 shows crop conditions continuing to decline around the state. Topsoil moisture continued to dwindle, as 72 percent of the state was rated as “short” or “very short”. Corn and soybean conditions in many areas are showing signs of stress in response to the diminishing soil moisture reserves. Only 40% of Minnesota's corn acreage is rated as "good" or "excellent". MDA will continue to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to evaluate the condition of the state's crops.

Livestock
The potential for livestock deaths can increase during extremely hot weather, particularly in poultry operations if air handling systems become inoperative due to a power failure. The Board of Animal Health veterinarians recommend that livestock producers and pet owners take steps to protect their animals:

• Provide plenty of shade and water for cattle and other animals kept outdoors, whether on pasture or in the yard
• Maintain proper ventilation for livestock kept indoors
• Have a backup plan for providing adequate ventilation for indoor animals in case of power failure
• Do not leave pets locked in automobiles for any length of time. Even on a moderately warm day, a closed car can reach 150◦ within a few minutes.

Department of Military Affairs

Minnesota National Guard Support
If needed, Soldiers and Airmen are prepared to provide military support to civil authorities responding to wildfires in order to protect life, property and provide security. The Minnesota National Guard is ready to execute aerial fire suppression, ground and mechanical firefighting operations.