Heat Safety Tips

Warning signs for heat stroke:

  • Not sweating
  • Collapsing
  • Becoming incoherent
  • Nausea/vomiting
  • Body Temperature of 106 degrees or higher
  • Seizure

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People who exhibit signs of heat stroke should do the following:

  • Call 911
  • Get out of the sun and go indoors or to a shady area
  • Cool with water, but not ice water
  • If someone is seizing, protect them from injury, but do not put anything in their mouth

Prevent heat-related injuries:

  • Drink plenty of cool water or other non-carbonated drinks.
  • Avoid beverages or foods with caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar because they can result in the loss of body fluid.
  • Take breaks about every hour, and get out of the sun and cool down for at least 10 minutes.
  • Wear wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and cotton or other natural-fiber, lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
  • A tight-fitting baseball cap is not the best choice when conducting strenuous outdoor activities.
  • Use sunscreen to protect uncovered skin.
  • If drinking sports drinks, cut them 50/50 with cold water.
  • Do not use salt tablets -- drink sports drinks to replenish electrolytes.
  • Conduct outdoor work or exercise in the early morning or evening when it is cooler. Individuals unaccustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment need to start slowly and gradually increase heat exposure over several weeks.
  • Do not leave children, senior citizens or pets unattended in a vehicle.

People who exhibit signs of a heat-related illness should do the following:

  • Get out of the sun and cool down
  • Sip cool water or 50 percent water/sports drink
  • Rest for at least 30 minutes after the symptoms end
  • Limit activity in the sun for the rest of the day
  • For chest pain or shortness of breath, call 911

Pets can suffer heat-related problems, too. Make sure they always have clean, fresh water available and access to shade or the indoors.

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