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Hot Weather Safety Tips
Use these hot weather safety tips to stay cool and healthy this summer...
Drink plenty of water
and non-alcoholic fluid. Put the alcoholic beverages away until cooler weather. Alcoholic drinks can increase a person's risk to heat-related illnesses.
Eat light meals
.
Be a good neighbor
and friend. Check on those who may need assistance. Develop a network or buddy system to check on those you know who might be at high-risk. An effective buddy system can prevent deaths and illness by catching symptoms early and ensuring the person at risk is removed from the dangerous environment. Quick treatment of symptoms is the best.
Be very careful how you use your fans
. When temperatures exceed 95
°
and the humidity is high, a fan pointed directly at an individual may dehydrate the person by removing moisture from the skin. The person may feel very comfortable while they are actually losing needed body fluids. Use a circulating fan to move air into or out of a room to cool the room down.
Decrease physical activity
. This is particularly advisable for joggers, runners and high school or junior high school athletic teams which often practice during the heat of the day. Exercise activities should occur early in the morning or in the early evening. Stay in the shade as much as possible.
Wear loose, lightweight
and light-colored cotton clothing.
Cool down
with showers, baths and recreational swimming.
Adjust blinds
, shades and awnings to keep out the sun.
Use your basement
, if it is cool, during the hottest hours.
Minimize activities
if you have chronic health problems, such as heart disease or lung problems, because the heat will add additional stress.
Protect children and the elderly
. Extra caution should be taken for the elderly and young infants and children to assure that they are protected from the heat.
Do not leave children and pets unattended in a closed vehicle.
Temperatures can rapidly reach dangerous levels.
Pay attention to the dangers certain medications may pose
. Individuals on various medications should check with their doctor to see if the heat puts them at increased risk. Those on anti-depressant and heart medications are often at increased risk. There are many prescription drugs which may cause additional problems during times of high heat. Your doctor can tell you if you may be in danger.
Updated 6/05/2008