STAY SAFE THIS SUMMER WITH THESE IMPORTANT HEAT SAFETY TIPS

July 3, 2024 at 12:51 p.m.
Press Releases
Your best defense against heat-related illness is prevention. Staying cool and making simple changes in your fluid intake, activities, and clothing during hot weather can help you remain safe and healthy.

 

PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE WHEN OUTDOORS

  1. Reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
  2. Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.
  3. Schedule frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments.
  4. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency – call 911.
  5. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

HEAT EXHAUSTION

HEAT EXHAUSTION SYMPTOMS
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
  • Profuse sweating
  • Reduce your body temperature
  • Weakness
  • Move to cooler location
  • Cold, pale, and clammy skin
  • Lie down and loosen your clothing
  • Fast, weak pulse
  • Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of your body as possible
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Sip water
  • Fainting
  • If you have vomited and it continues, seek medical attention immediately

 

HEAT STROKE

HEAT STROKE SYMPTOMS
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
  • High body temperature (above 103 degrees)
  • Call 911 immediately - this is a medical emergency
  • Hot, red, dry or moist skin
  • Move the person to a cooler environment
  • Rapid and strong pulse
  • Reduce the person's body temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath
  • Possible unconsciousness
  • DO NOT give fluids

 

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov