Do you like to know when you reach the halfway point of a journey or task? I do. When we used to go to the beach regularly, I knew we were halfway there when we passed a certain spot. I remember an intersection I used to go through on a backwoods route to visit Mom before she moved here. That intersection in the middle of the Talladega National Forest was exactly halfway between her driveway in Weaver and mine in Tallassee. Even now, I know when I’m halfway home from the office when I go past a certain church building along the way.
This reminds me of one of my favorite features of reading on a Kindle e-book reader. (No, I’m not talking about making the print as large as I want it to be.) It’s the progress indicator. I like to know when I’m 50% through a book. And as I write this column, I use a word-counting feature of the writing tools I use to track my progress. I can tell at a glance when I’m halfway through. And I’m not yet, in case you wondered.
...HEAT ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM CDT FRIDAY...
* WHAT...Heat index values up to 109 expected.
* WHERE...All of central Alabama.
* WHEN...Until 9 PM CDT Friday.
* IMPACTS...Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat
illnesses.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of
the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and
pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any
circumstances.
Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When
possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or
evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat
stoke. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and
drink plenty of water.
To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in
shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat
should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an
emergency! Call 9 1 1.
&&
