Be Cautious in Extreme Heat

7/1/2019 (Permalink)

With summertime here, it is time to consider safety precautions for extreme heat.  Heat affects all people, but especially the young, the elderly, and overweight.  Urban area residents also have a greater chance of being affected than those who live in rural areas.

Know before you go

Whether you are in an urban or rural area, there are several thing that you can do to prepare for and prevent extreme heat from affecting you.  If possible, stay indoors in air conditioning.  Be sure to check on your pets who may be outdoors or bring them inside.  Stay hydrated and limit alcohol and caffeine intake.

If you must go outside, were loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and be sure to apply sunscreen often to avoid sun burn. 

Pay attention to signs of heat exhaustion signs

*Heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale, and        clammy skin, nausea or vomiting and fainting.

Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which is life-threatening.  Signs of heat stroke:

 *High body temperature (103 degrees (F)+,         rapid and strong pulse, and possible               unconsciousness.

If you think someone has had a heat stroke, call 911 immediately and move the person somewhere cool, and reduce temperature will cool wet cloths.  Do not give a person with heat stroke fluids, and treat the situation as a serious medical emergency.

Extreme heat is a serious danger.