More hot weather on the way

Sometimes it is best to simply stay inside. Temperatures exceeding 100 degrees are due in the Columbia Basin beginning tomorrow. The forecasters on the Spokane television stations have been talking about temperatures of 101 degrees for a day or two, but Moses Lake and other Basin towns are in for more than a week, almost two weeks, of temperatures over 100.

Tomorrow the forecast is for a high of 102, Saturday 108, Sunday 109. It cools down to 104 on Monday. The lowest high temperature between tomorrow and July 8 is 102, but every day the high is scheduled to be above 100. This makes 13 straight days of over 100 degree temperatures.

The temperature after July 8 is unclear, because the forecast stops at July 8. So, what to do: Stay cool, watch out for your neighbors, relatives and pets. Water your gardens and lawns, but not during the heat of the day.

And for heaven's sake, be careful with fire. The Grant County Commissioners imposed a temporary ban on outdoor burning effective Wednesday June 24. The ban prohibits all outdoor burning until further notice and will be lifted once conditions improve. If citizens are caught burning, they could face fines and other consequences.

I'm afraid to light a candle inside my house.

From the Grant County Fire Marshal's Office: With the hot, dry, arid conditions, and a heavy load of dry grass and sage brush throughout the county, officials are additionally anticipating new wildfires to ignite. The risks include nighttime fires which may be ignited by summertime lightning storms.

The ban includes: No burning of yard wastes, (tree, shrub and grass clippings), garbage, ditch banks, building materials and etc. and no burn barrels.

Agricultural burning is allowed when properly permitted by Ecology. Recreational fires are allowed in approved devices at public campgrounds when allowed by the campground authority. Recreational fires are allowed in private pits or residences when surrounded by 25 feet of non-combustible material and a charged water line and attended at all times.

Open flames associated with gas barbecues or charcoal start-up are allowed in a safe and sane manner. These devices to be used in an area away from combustible materials including vegetation and must be attended at all times.

As conditions worsen we may request additional measures to prevent fires this summer.

Are fireworks allowed in Grant County? From the Grant County Sheriff's office: A reminder of fireworks restrictions in the unincorporated portions of Grant County: Fireworks become legal to sell, purchase, use and discharge from 12:00 noon on June 28th to 11:00 p.m. on July 5th.

Fireworks cannot be sold or discharged between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m., except on July 4th from 9:00 a.m. through 12 midnight.

Under Grant County Code, fireworks are prohibited in the communities of Marine View and Marine View Heights (near O'Sullivan Reservoir), Crescent Bar and Desert Aire.

These restrictions do not apply to licensed and permitted pyrotechnic operators participating in a public display of fireworks pursuant to the provisions of state law.

Under county ordinance, violators of these restrictions can face a fine of $100 for the first offense, $250 for the second offense and $500 for each subsequent offense.

The laws are different for each city in Grant County. The above restrictions are for unincorporated Grant County communities. For restrictions specific to Moses Lake, Ephrata, Quincy or any other incorporated city, please contact their city hall or police department.

Grant County Sheriff offers tips to reduce risk of heat-related illness

With the forecast of temperatures over 100 degrees later this week and this coming weekend, the Grant County Sheriff's Office is reminding people to be careful and follow this information from the Centers for Disease Control to help prevent heat related illness. Remember these ideas are for you and your friends. You should be watching each other for these signs and take the prescribed actions as necessary.

Stop all activity and get to a cool environment if you feel faint or weak; wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing; limit outdoor activity, especially midday when the sun is hottest; never leave infants or children in a parked car; nor should pets be left in parked cars as they can suffer heat-related illness too.

Also drink more water than usual and don't wait until you're thirsty to drink; check on a friend or neighbor, and have someone do the same for you; check the local news for health and safety updates regularly; Don't use the stove or oven to cook if possible as it will make you and your house hotter; take cool showers or baths to cool down.

Plus, if you can't afford to use your air conditioning locate an air-conditioned shelter in your area. Avoid alcohol or liquids containing large amounts of sugar.

Here are the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness:

Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating; weakness; cold, pale, and clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; fainting.

What You Should Do: Move to a cooler location; lie down and loosen your clothing; apply cool, wet cloths to as much of your body as possible; sip water; if you have vomited and it continues, seek medical attention immediately.

Heat Stroke: High body temperature (above 103°F); hot, red, dry or moist skin; rapid and strong pulse; possible unconsciousness.