Forecasters are hoping we soon get a break from the oppressive heat wave the region has been experiencing for the last couple of weeks. Until that happens, however, Alabama health officials warn senior citizens are most at risk of serious illness or death caused by rising temperatures.

Dr. Donald Williamson, state health officer, said Tuesday (Aug. 14) that around 45 people statewide die each year from heat-related illness. The worst year for such deaths was 1980, when 125 succumbed to heat, he added.

Alabama’s first possible heat-related death of 2007 was recently reported, according to Williamson. He said a sampling of hospitals in the state has indicated a “significant increase” in heat-related admissions.

“With a heat index of 105, if you fail to cool off to 75 at night, it’s a deadly mix,” Williamson said. He noted those without air conditioning are unable to meet that goal.

To help protect older residents, Gov. Bob Riley has opened areas at the state’s two-year colleges and county health departments so seniors can drop by during the day and cool off. Riley has also asked churches to take part, along with county and city senior citizen service centers and the Salvation Army.

Williamson said everyone, but especially the elderly, should drink water often, rather than coffee or another beverage. He also advises folks to wear light, loose-fitting clothing and to wrap up any outdoor activities early in the day.

“We sent bottled water to all the senior citizens centers,” said Irene Collins, executive director of the Alabama Department of Senior Services. “Hydration is so critical. A number of things can happen to your body because of lack of hydration. This is a disaster as far as I am concerned.”

Riley said children are also at a higher risk for heat-related illness. The governor sent letters to schools asking they limit students’ outdoor exercise, and be especially mindful of athletes during football practice.

“I’ve been telling my cabinet members what we’re telling our football teams — state workers should limit outdoor activity,” Riley said. I believe all of them have a plan in place or should have a plan in place to put employee safety above all else.”

He hopes other bosses will do the same. Riley said, “One of the things employers innately understand is the importance of the work force. They should have access to breaks and access to water. Listen to how critical this is.”

Williamson said the state must do a better job of keeping tabs on heat-related illness and deaths so it can act more efficiently to prevent them. Right now, he said, health officials only learn someone has died from the heat when they review death certificates. He wants a system where such deaths are reported in “real time” like many diseases.

“If we had known the heat event of last Wednesday would go on another week, we might have done this (announced actions) then,” Williamson said. “The only model we have is 1980, when 1,200 people died in the country. Fortunately, there are a lot more people with air conditioning now than there were then.”

Collins said seniors can call their local churches and senior centers to find out if they are providing daytime shelter from the heat, or dial (800) AGE-LINE for information. Internet-savvy seniors can also log on www.alabamaageline.gov.

She noted most senior citizens centers have some transportation capability to help out those who are unable to drive there. Riley noted places of worship are an excellent option as well because, “There is normally a close proximity between the people and their churches.”

Williamson pointed out that the cool-down centers set up so far are for daytime use only. He said the state is not currently considering any type of nighttime shelter, but might if the heat wave continues.

Although Alabama could see some relief from the heat next week, 15 more counties have been added to a list of those dealing with drought. Now 53 counties, including Baldwin, are on the list issued by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs’ Office of Water Resources.

OWR issued the drought declarations based on a review of current and anticipated hydrologic conditions, including rainfall, stream flow, reservoir and soil moisture levels. Record rainfall deficits and low stream flow and reservoir levels place the majority of the state in an extreme drought with conditions likely to worsen.

Baldwin and Mobile counties are the only two listed in a drought watch status, which is the least severe condition of three.

“With the lack of rain and extreme temperatures, conditions have worsened significantly,” Riley stated in a press release related to the drought survey. “Already this is a drought of historic proportions and we are just now entering the driest part of the year. I urge Alabamians to follow conservation recommendations, use water wisely and be prepared if conditions deteriorate further.”

Public and private water systems, as well as other large users, are encouraged to carefully monitor conditions and prepare emergency procedures in the event that the situation worsens. Drought declaration updates will continue throughout the summer as necessary and will be available on the Office of Water Resources’ Web site at www.adeca.alabama.gov/water.