Hot Weather Emergencies

The following is information I gathered recently from one of our local papers.

Heat related prevention tips:

The best defense against heat related illness is prevention. When temperatures rise, stay indoors as much as possible in an air-conditioned room or building. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to a library, shopping center, or other public place with air conditioning.

If you must be out in the heat:
* Cut down on exercise and try to limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
* Drink water or non-caffeinated sports drinks. Avoid beverages containing caffeine, alcohol or carbonation.
* Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose fitting clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and use sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.
* NEVER leave people or pets in a closed, parked vehicle.

How to treat heat related illnesses:

* Heat Cramps - Cramps (painful spasms of the muscles) are the first sign you are overheated and/or your body is dehydrated. Rest, seek shade and drink plenty of cool water or non-caffeinated sports drinks.

*Heat Exhaustion - Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness and ashen or flushed skin tone. Take immediate steps to cool down and drink plenty of beverages. Lying down with your legs elevated may help relieve some of the symptoms.

* Heat Stroke - Symptoms include warm, flushed skin, absence of normal sweating, very high temperature, delirium, unconsciousness or seizures. Reduce temperature quickly. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 and seek medical assistance immediately!

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