Extreme Heat and Your Health

5/24/2016 (Permalink)

Extreme heat safety

Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable, yet annually many people succumb to extreme heat.

Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness.

Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness.

• Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible.
• Find an air-conditioned shelter.
• Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
• Avoid direct sunlight.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Take cool showers or baths.
• Check on those most at-risk twice a day.
• Never leave infants or children in a parked car. Nor should pets be left in parked cars—they can suffer heat-related illness too.
• Dress infants and children in loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Seek medical care immediately if your child has symptoms of heat related-illness.

Because your body loses fluids through sweat, you can become dehydrated during times of extreme heat.

• Drink more water than usual.
• Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more fluids.
• Drink from two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
• Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
• Remind others to drink enough water.

Stay updated on local weather forecasts so you can plan activities safely when it’s hot outside.

• Check local news for extreme heat alerts and safety tips.
• Learn the symptoms of heat illness.

How to stay cool in extreme heat -Video

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