8 months ago
A 77-year-old Houston County man died on his roof, while working in the extreme heat.
Captain Robert Clark with the sheriff's office said James McDowell died Saturday when the temperature on his roof reached 120-degrees.
Investigators say he died from a heart attack, with the heat playing a major factor.
Many families in Central Georgia are taking precautions to prevent heat related illness.
Monday, Gena Mefford looked on as her two sons splashed in their pool. Mefford said the heat's no laughing matter.
She said, "Sauna hot. 100 degrees, just stale heat. It's just like a sauna. You walk out and just immediately sweat."
She keeps water in the pool and in their bodies. Mefford said, "There's no way I'd let them stay out in the heat without water. No way."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says children and people over the age of 65 are most at risk for heat related illness. That includes cramps, strokes or death.
If you're going to be outside in the heat, the American Red Cross recommends at least a half a cup of water every hour, but they say the real key is to hydrate yourself before going outside.
Brian Fern with the American Red Cross in Houston County said, "By the time you stop sweating or perspiring it's too late to avoid some of those symptoms."
He also recommends taking frequent breaks in the shade. It's 10 to 15 degrees cooler there. Eat small, frequent meals in extreme heat, and wear sunscreen. Sunburn affects your body's ability to cool itself.
According to a study from the National Weather Service, heat related deaths outnumber any other deaths caused by severe weather events. That includes floods, tornadoes, lightning, hurricanes and earthquakes.
