Heat adds to Edgewater Park safety concerns

CLEVELAND - Sounds of "booms" made for a spectacular Independence Day fireworks display at Settlers Landing, drawing numbers of people.

"Every car has about three people so if we park several thousand cars, multiply that. There's no doubt we have several thousand people concentrated here," said Ohio State Parks Officer, Louis Andres, while over at Edgewater Park.

Edgewater Park is one of the many places in Cleveland where people could view the Fourth of July fireworks at Settlers Landings. However, it's one of the only places where people stayed out the entire day on what was one of the hottest days of the summer. 

"The heat is a concern for me," said Ramon Colon. "That's why I'm under here," pointing to the shade of a tree at Edgewater Park.

Colon said he and his wife made sure to get there early to find a shady spot. Elsewhere, people prepared with lots of refreshments. "I got a cooler full of water, juice and pop," said Newatha Hughes.

"All of our officers have water in their vehicles and if they see somebody they should go ahead and offer it," said Andres.

Officer Andres, with the Ohio States Parks Department, oversaw several different departments and police units Wednesday, that all assisted in Fourth of July patrolling. All were also on the lookout for heat exhaustion and exhaustion-like symptoms due to Wednesday's high temperatures.

Andres said he hadn't heard of any heat-related incidents as of 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.

"That's good," said Anders, "... that means people are staying hydrated. Anders said drinking extra water is something people should also be remembering these next couple of days.