Excessive Heat Awareness and Safety
Don't be a statistic this summer....
BEAT THE HEAT!
Hydrate.
Whether you feel thirsty or not, drink plenty of water to avoid
becoming dehydrated, especially when you're working or exercising
outside.
Educate yourself.
Keep up with the latest temperature and heat index forecasts and
current readings (take actions to stay cool and safe when the temperatures hits
85 degrees or the heat index hits 90 degrees). Know the warning signs of a heat
illness, and how you can stay cool.
Act quickly when a heat illness
is suspected. Seek medical attention immediately for any of
these warning signs: cramping, rapid pulse, heavy sweating, hot red skin,
dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting.
Take it easy.
Anyone working or exercising outdoors should avoid overexertion, especially
between the hours of 11 am and 6 pm. Take hourly breaks in the shade or in air
conditioning.
According to the National Weather Service heat waves have caused more deaths in the last ten years than any other weather hazard, including tornadoes, hurricanes, and flooding.
- Symptoms of a serious heat illness include cramps, rapid pulse, heavy sweating, hot red skin, headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and vomiting.
- Treatment of a heat illness should include getting the victim out of the heat, giving victims sips of cool water, placing cool wet cloths or ice packs on the victim's body (especially around the neck and under the arms), and seeking medical attention.
- NEVER leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach over 140°F within minutes. Exposure to such high temperatures can kill in minutes. When left in a hot vehicle, a young child's core body temperature can increase three to five times faster than that of an adult, causing permanent injury or even death.
Learn more by visiting:
Information courtesy of National Weather Service