Over 1,400 without power in Licking County; cooling centers opening amid excessive heat

Over 1,400 customers in Licking County remain without power on Wednesday amid an excessive heat warning.

On Monday night, severe storms passing through central Ohio brought high winds and downed trees, leaving more than 10,000 customers in the county without power.

By Wednesday afterno, an estimated 1,400 customers through AEP county-wide and "scattered outages" in the Johnstown area through the Energy Cooperative were reported to be without power.

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Two cooling centers are being opened in Licking County from 1-7 p.m. Wednesday, located at The Salvation Army in Newark, 250 E. Main St., and West Licking Fire District, 428 Jefferson St. in Pataskala.

Newark resident Devan Tucker's King Avenue home has been without power since the early Monday morning storm. While he and his girlfriend, Hannah Rebb, stayed in their home Tuesday night, Tucker is spending Wednesday at his mother's house to ensure the couple's dogs, Biscuit and Nugget, remain cool during the extreme heat.

"I trust that they're working on it because, I think, we lost power once or twice last year and they did a good job getting it back on. It was just kind of weird that it was like centralized to my block," he said, adding that neighbors across the street have power.

"Hopefully everyone's able to stay safe or you know, other people without power are able to stay cool and get food and water if they need it. Hopefully it doesn't last too much longer," he said.

A press release from AEP said their electrical system was affected by the storms, which knocked out some of their large transmission lines.

"Combined with impacts from the heat today, some of the remaining lines became overloaded and we have been forced to take customers offline through this afternoon and this evening to protect the system and reduce the risk of longer, widespread outages," the utility said. They provided an estimated restoration update of 1 p.m. Thursday for the Newark area.

As of 11 p.m. Tuesday, the Energy Cooperative said their crews are working to restore every outage quickly and safely, but members should prepare for extended outages that will last until Thursday evening. The agency's update included substations with more than 50 members without power.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Energy Cooperative expected substations in Flint Ridge, Jacksontown, Johnstown, Northridge, and Welsh Hills to be restored by noon Thursday. Estimated restoration is expected to be 3 p.m. Thursday for the substations in Hebron, Hazelton, and St. Louisville, according to their website.

The National Weather Service in Wilmington forecasts a high temperature of 95 degrees for the Newark area on Wednesday with the excessive heat warning lasting until 8 p.m. On Thursday, the high temperature is expected to be around 93 degrees.

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Heat index values on Wednesday are expected to be as high as 107 degrees.

The heat index, or apparent temperature, according to the National Weather Service, is "what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature."

A heat index of more than 103 degrees is dangerous. The weather service reports that under those circumstances, heat cramps or heat exhaustion are likely, and heat stroke is possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity.

Earlier this week, Licking County Emergency Management Agency issued tips for the community to get through the heat advisory safely, including taking advantage of air-conditioned spaces, like libraries, malls and theatres. The agency said staying hydrated is important and be mindful of heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

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Symptoms of heat exhaustion include feeling faint or dizzy, excessive sweating, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, a rapid or weak pulse, and cool, pale, or clammy skin. Symptoms of heat stroke are a throbbing headache or confusion, no sweating, a body temperature above 103 degrees and red, hot, or dry skin, nausea or vomiting, a rapid, strong pulse and possible unconsciousness.

Those who may be suffering heat exhaustion are encouraged to get to a cooler, air conditioned place, drink water if fully conscious and take a cool shower or use cold compresses. For those suffering a heat stroke, people are advised to call 911, move the person to a cooler place, cool the individual using cloths or a bath, and don't give them anything to drink.

The agency encouraged people to take advantage of air-conditioned spaces, like libraries, malls and theatres.

For those looking to cool off with water, Pataskala's community pool is open normal hours, as well as Beechwood Trails Park and Pool. Lake Hudson is accepting residents from Licking, Perry, Fairfield, Muskingum and Knox Counties and require proof of residency upon entry to purchase day passes.

Buckeye Valley Family YMCA's outdoor pool is open to the public for $1 per person Wednesday and Thursday 3-6 p.m., according to their social media account. They're only accepting cash.

Cherry Valley Hotel & Ohio Event Center offered $99 room rates for residents without power.

While the extended power outages have been difficult, Madison Township resident Bill Weaver said it has also brought people together. Weaver, who was without power from the early hours of Monday morning until Tuesday evening, said people offered to clear fallen tree limbs from people's car or houses. At least five people, Weaver said, offered to let him and wife, Pat, stay with them until their power came back.

"From my perspective, it did bring the good out of people, and particularly in our community," he said. "People helping people to make it through. Their generosity, I thought, it was just a big plus."

Advocate reporter Maria DeVito contributed to this report.

Tips to stay cool

Some other heat-related tips from Licking County EMA include:

Young children and the elderly are especially affected by excessive heat, and pets and livestock can also be affected.

Staying hydrated is important.

Being in direct sunlight could raise the temperature of the heat index by up to 15 degrees.

The best place to be is in an air conditioned building.

Those who have to be outside should limit outdoor activities to the early morning or evening hours, and avoid strenuous exercise and try to rest in the shade often.

Using a fan won't prevent heat-related illness if temperatures are in the high 90s.

Check on any family, friends or neighbors that don't have air conditioning or are in an at-risk category.

Don't leave a child or pet inside a closed car.

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This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Over 1,400 without power in Licking County amid excessive heat