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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