Cole County EMS offers water refill station at fair as heat index continues to rise

JEFFERSON CITY, MO (KMIZ)

Organizers of the Jefferson City Jaycees Cole County Fair prepare for the heat.

The fair began on Monday and will continue this week through Friday at the Cole County Fairgrounds. According to the ABC 17 News Stormtrack Weather Team, temperatures are expected to reach 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

“It’s always hot and humid here and this year is no different,” said Mike Freeman, chairman of Fair Entertainment. “We make sure there’s plenty of water for sale and we encourage people to drink plenty while they’re here.”

In addition to accessible water vendors, Cole County EMS will have a water tap at its tent each day.

“It’s incredibly important that people stay hydrated before they come here and during their stay to make sure everyone has a good time,” said Nicholas Tietsort, director of Cole County Emergency Management.

The Jefferson City Jaycees and Cole County EMS have worked closely together for this event for about 10 years. EMS responders are on high alert for heat-related illnesses, and first responders will be patrolling and monitoring the event in case of an emergency.

“We have a contingency plan for major storms or incidents that can happen any year,” Freeman said. “That plan is updated before the fair and sometimes during the fair when there are events happening.”

Apart from heat safety, all 33 attractions passed the Attraction Safety Inspection Report with satisfactory marks.