Dangerous weekend heat to impact people, pets
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – As temperatures soar across central Indiana, the severe heat is already making an impact on pets and people.
To stay cool, some people visited splash parks Thursday. “It’s just a hot day, and it’s just not getting much relief, so the water is going to feel really good,” Indianapolis resident Christopher Sinnett said.
The heat has animal control officers busy. A new ordinance requires owners to keep pets inside when it’s above 90 degrees unless someone’s outside watching them. It helps save pets, but keeps animal control moving.
“I would say we’re rather packed,” Indianapolis animal control officer Henry Cherry said.
We went with animal control as it not only looked for strays, but dealt with complaints. A tough job, but officer Cherry knows how crucial it can be.
“They’ll kind of leave the animal thinking, ‘Well, I’m going to store and I’ll come right back,’” Cherry said. “But with the heat the body temperature can rise real quick and without water it’s not really good for them.”
It wasn’t only checking on animals. Meals on Wheels volunteers not only brought food, but looked for heat issues.
“In this extreme heat it’s more important than ever to check on them (Meals on Wheels recipients) and make sure that they’re safe and they’re healthy and that they’re cool enough,” Meals on Wheels volunteer development director Barb Renshaw said.
Something even those playing in the water need to keep in mind over the next few days: “Definitely dangerous heat,” Sinnett said. “You definitely don’t want to stay out too long.”
If water isn’t your thing, Indianapolis Power and Light released some advice Thursday to keep cool and save money.
Turn off lights, clean air conditioning units, set the thermostat to a comfortable level and close blinds.