NEWS RELEASE

JEFFERSON PARISH, LOUISIANA

June 14, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HEAT ADVISORY ISSUED FOR JEFFERSON PARISH
'Feels like' temperatures forecasted to reach 105-110 degrees

JEFFERSON, LA – The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Jefferson Parish effective today (Wednesday, June 14, 2023). Heat will continue to steadily build today and persist into early next week. Increasing temperatures will approach the triple-digit mark late-week through Monday, June 19, 2023. Dangerously high temperatures between 96-98+ degrees with heat index values between 105-110 degrees are expected. 

High temperatures reaching 100 degrees are rare for this time of the year. It is important to share heat safety information, especially since this will be the first heat wave of the year and can be serious to residents. Excessive heat warnings could be issued later this week, so stay weather aware if headlines occur.

Citizens should take precautionary measures to avoid becoming a victim of heat exhaustion and related illnesses. Heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, happen when the body is not able to properly cool itself. While the body normally cools itself by sweating, during extreme heat, this might not be enough. In these cases, a person’s body temperature rises faster than it can cool itself down. This can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs. Some factors that might increase your risk of developing a heat-related illness include: high levels of humidity, obesity, fever, dehydration, prescription drug use, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn and alcohol use.

Heat-related illnesses can be prevented by:

• Wearing lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
• Staying indoors in air conditioning and limiting outdoor activities
• Avoid strenuous activities
• Wearing sunscreen
• Staying hydrated
• Avoiding heavy meals, alcohol and sugary beverages
• NEVER leaving children or pets in cars. Cars can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures, even with an open window.

During high temperatures, it is important to monitor those at high risk, including infants and young children, people 65 or older, those who are overweight, people who overexert during work or exercise and people who are physically ill (especially with heart disease or high blood pressure), or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia or poor circulation.

It is also important to protect your four legged friends during hot weather months. Jefferson Protection & Animal Welfare Services recommends the following:

• Even though you and your pets need exercise, it is important that you avoid going out during the hottest part of the day.
• Much like humans, animals can also get sunburned, so please monitor your pet for burns (short- and light-colored fur). You may want to apply animal-safe sunblock as well.
• Your pets fur may actually help keep them cool in the hotter months, so reconsider before cutting off all their fur, but keep them properly groomed.
• Some pets may be more susceptible to heat (bulldogs, pugs, etc.), so please monitor these breeds for breathing issues.
• Bring water with you when going on a long walk, even in the earliest or latest part of the day.
• DO NOT leave your pet in your vehicle.
• Your pets paws are just as tender as your feet, so please check the pavement with your hand; if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them. Pet shoes or booties help keep their paws safe.

For more information about Jefferson Parish, visit www.JeffParish.net Residents can also receive regular updates by following the Parish on Facebook, Twitter Youtube, JPTV and Instagram (@JeffParishGov) or by texting JPALERT or JPNOTICIAS to 888-777.

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Jefferson Parish Public Information Office 1221 Elmwood Park Boulevard, Suite 1002 Jefferson, LA 70123

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Gretchen Hirt Gendron, PIO