6 Ann Arbor art fairgoers transported to hospital due to heat-related illness
Shoppers walk down South Main Street during the Guild's Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair on Thursday, July 18, 2013.
Courtney Sacco I AnnArbor.com
A heat advisory has been in effect since noon Tuesday. The National Weather Service upgraded the advisory to an excessive heat warning Thursday morning, which is in effect through 8 p.m. Friday.
Between Wednesday and Thursday this week, nine people had to be transported to the hospital because of heat-related illnesses. The majority of them were individuals at the Ann Arbor Art Fair, which lasts from Wednesday to Saturday.
Huron Valley Ambulance has an art fair command post at North University Avenue and Fletcher Street, said spokeswoman Joyce Williams.
“We’re not seeing the number you might expect with this kind of heat because I think the messages are really getting out there about how to stay cool,” Williams said.
Wednesday during the first day of the fair, medics transported three people to area hospitals in stable condition due to heat-related illnesses, Williams said.
Outside of the fair Wednesday, one person was transported to the hospital by HVA due to heat-related issues, Williams said.
As of late Thursday afternoon, heat-related illnesses caused another three people to be transported to the hospital in stable condition, Williams said.
Beyond the bounds of the art fair, two people had to be hospitalized due to heat-related sickness Thursday as well.
Temperatures during the week of art fair have historically been above the average high for the month of July, according to data collected by University of Michigan weather observers.
The heat wave is expected to break Friday night as thunderstorms are in the forecast.
Amy Biolchini covers Washtenaw County, health and environmental issues for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at (734) 623-2552, amybiolchini@annarbor.com or on Twitter.
Comments
Kellie Woodhouse
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 3 p.m.
I walk to work everyday and just the ten minute walk has been nearly unbearable because of the heat. I'm thinking about investing in one of those water bottles with a mini fan.
BlueEyesGirl
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 12:50 p.m.
Dogs and babies in strollers should stay home!
PhillyCheeseSteak
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 1:01 p.m.
Also dogs in strollers!
NotABleedingHeartLiberal
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 11:58 a.m.
Every year at Art Fair there is sweltering heat and then a thunderstorm or two. It is about the only predictable weather we get in Michigan.
Sam S Smith
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 11:55 a.m.
We should really think about having the Art Fair when the weather is cooler like in June.
Martha Cojelona Gratis
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 11:54 a.m.
There's a saying: "If you can't stand the heat, ..."
Keith Hafner
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 11:26 a.m.
It was so hot that I built a roaring fire in my firepit and stood next to it...just to cool off!
Hmm
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 12:16 p.m.
Bow to your sensei and his jokes!
5c0++ H4d13y
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 10:51 a.m.
Boy Michiganders really fall to pieces when the temps get above 90.
CynicA2
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 2:21 a.m.
Better yet, stay home... don't risk your health for nothing.
sandalwood
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 10:44 a.m.
I agree, stay home! It's not worth your health to go to an art fair! It will be back, but if you go and something happens, you won't be back!! Take care out there!!!
dancinginmysoul
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 11:08 p.m.
Please Please Please stop bringing your dogs to the fair. It's TOO HOT.
5c0++ H4d13y
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 10:50 a.m.
What did the infants and toddlers do before air conditioning?
jen777
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 1 a.m.
And infants and toddlers Way to warm
KMHall
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 11:41 p.m.
Absolutely!!!!!
JRW
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 11:06 p.m.
"Obviously, it's warm out," said Maureen Riley, Ann Arbor Street Art Fair director. "But people are coming out, and the artists seem very happy." Warm. That's the spin of Ms Riley on the National Weather Service's "excessive heat warning." Warm. Hard to believe a "director" would make such an inaccurate statement. All about PR, folks. Can't possibly admit there are heat warnings in effect for 3 out or 4 days of the fair.
ypsimama
Thu, Jul 18, 2013 : 10:43 p.m.
Stay hydrated and wear sunblock!