Heat Wave Safety Tips

Do you know what to do in a heat wave to keep your loved ones safe?

Defined as periods of prolonged, extremely high heat, often accompanied by high humidity, these conditions can be very dangerous, especially to small children and the elderly.

If you do not take steps to keep your body properly cooled during these periods of excessively high temperatures you could become ill. Many people have even died from heat-related illnesses.

Your best defense is knowledge. Familiarize yourself with heat-related illnesses and what to do to relieve them. Know the warning signs that indicate medical attention is necessary. Keep your loved ones safe.

Heat Illness Awareness

Heat cramps - muscle pains resulting from too much physical activity during a heat wave. Heat cramps are your body's way of telling you that you are exerting yourself too much in the extreme heat. If you feel heat cramps you should take a break from your activity and drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated.

Heat exhaustion - higher in severity than heat cramps, heat exhaustion occurs after loss of too much body fluid through sweat. Heavy sweating causes excess blood flow to the skin which decreases the blood flow to all vital organs. As a result, your body begins to go into shock and you begin to feel extremely tired. If you feel the signs of heat exhaustion you should stop all physical activity immediately and rest. Drink plenty of water to re-hydrate your body and go to the coolest location you can find. If you are unable to go into an air-conditioned space, go to the lowest level of your home.

Heat stroke - severe heat exhaustion. If you ever stop sweating after a period of exhaustion you may be suffering from heat stroke. You need to seek medical help immediately. When you stop sweating, which is the body's way of cooling itself down, it is a sign that your system is not functioning properly. Without sweat your body temperature will continue to rise which could result in brain damage or even death.

Symptoms to Watch For

If you or a loved one begin to suffer from any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

• headaches
• nausea
• excessive thirst
• persistent sleepiness
• flushed skin
• hot red skin
• a sudden rise in body temperature
• a sudden disappearance of perspiration
• confusion
• aggression
• convulsions
• loss of consciousness

Know What to do in a Heat Wave

Heat safety is vital to your family's health. Here are some things you can do to keep your loved ones safe when the temperatures rise.

• Avoid physical activity during a heat wave.

• Dress lightly in light-colored clothing.

• Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated.

• Avoid beverages containing caffeine because they can actually dehydrate your body.

• Avoid salty foods which can also lead to dehydration.

• If you do not have air conditioning stay in the lowest part of your home.

• If you do not have a basement to retreat to, shut blinds and draw curtains to keep the sunshine out.

• Take cool showers or baths.

• Do not forget about your elderly neighbors who may be alone. Check on them often or invite them to stay with you.