The Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department will be made available to the public as a cooling and charging station starting this morning. Medical personnel will be onsite to help treat heat related injuries.

At 3:30 am Tideland EMC successfully installed a temporary generator restoring power to homes on the South Circuit in the vicinity of the lighthouse. Residents in the powered area need to conserve and suspend high demand services to sustain the baseline power being provided by the generator. Remember that strict conservation keeps the power on.

Ocracoke Residents Encouraged to Take Steps to Prevent Heat Stress

Heat and humidity are a serious safety threat. While the power outage on Ocracoke persists, residents are encouraged to know the symptoms of heat-related illness and to take steps to prevent heat stress.

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

• Headache, dizziness, or fainting

• Weakness and wet skin

• Irritability or confusion

• Thirst, nausea, or vomiting

• Decreased urine output

• Elevated body temperature

  Symptoms of Heat Stroke

• May be confused, unable to think clearly, pass out, collapse, or have seizures (fits)

• Loss of consciousness

• Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating

• Very high body temperature

  How to Protect Yourself

•   Know signs/symptoms of heat illnesses; monitor yourself; use a buddy system.

•   Block out direct sun and other heat sources.

•   Drink plenty of fluids. Drink often and BEFORE you are thirsty.

•   Avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine.

•   Wear lightweight, light colored, loose-fitting clothes.

•   Take extra precautions with certain medications

  What to Do if Someone is Ill from the Heat

• Call 911 for emergency medical care.

• Have someone stay with the person until help arrives.

• Move the person to a cooler/shaded area.

• Remove outer clothing.

• Cool the person quickly with cold water or an ice bath if possible; wet the skin, place cold wet cloths on

  skin, or soak clothing with cool water.

• Circulate the air around the person to speed cooling.

• Encourage frequent sips of cool water, if possible.