Several electric cooperatives in southeast Missouri and southern Illinois are asking customers to minimize their use of electricity from noon until 7 p.m. on Thursday.

The Midwest Interconnection System Operator (MISO) has forecasted a generation shortfall within the MISO operating area between noon 7 p.m. Thursday.

MISO has requested the voluntary load reduction due to the hot, humid weather, to help ensure reliable generation of delivery of electricity throughout the Midwest.

Reducing the electric usage can minimize the impact of this electric power shortage and help keep costs down.

These tips come from Citizens Electric Coop:

PERRY COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - With temperatures rising, the American Red Cross would like residents to know what the heat-related terms mean and some general care for heat emergencies.

The Red Cross have the following definition for these heat-related terms:

• Heat cramps - muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in the legs or abdomen. They are caused by exposure to heat and humidity, and loss of fluids. Heat cramps are an early signal that the body is having trouble with the heat.
• Heat exhaustion - typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. Blood flow to the skin increases, causing blood flow to decrease to the vital organs. This results in a form of mild shock. If not treated, the victim may suffer heat stroke.