Summer is here and along with it come hot and humid conditions. Heat waves, and even exposure to high temperatures for a short time, can be very dangerous. Below are some tips to help you identify the signs of dehydration, heatstroke, and heat exhaustion, which can be life-threatening.
We would like to remind everyone to dial 911 at the first sign of a medical emergency. In addition, it is advisable to check on family, friends and neighbors, especially if they are senior citizens.
Signs & Symptoms:
Heat Exhaustion
- Severe thirst
- Fatigue
- Muscle cramps
- Aches
- Muscle weakness
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Fast, shallow breathing
- Irritability
- Headache
- Increased sweating
- Cool, clammy skin
- Elevation of body temperature to 105 degrees Fahrenheit or higher
How Heatstroke Can Be Prevented
- Drink plenty of fluids during outdoor activities; water and sports drinks are preferred; tea, coffee, soda and alcohol should be avoided
- Wear lightweight, tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing in light colors
- Schedule vigorous activity and sports for cooler times of the day
- Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat, sunglasses and using an umbrella
- Increase time spent outdoors gradually get your body used to the heat
- During outdoor activities, take frequent drink breaks and mist yourself with a spray bottle to avoid becoming overheated
- Try to spend as much time indoors as possible on very hot humid days
How to treat Heatstroke and Heat Exhaustion
- Bring the person indoors, or into the shade immediately
- Remove their clothing, and gently apply cool water to the skin followed by fanning to stimulate sweating
- Apply ice packs to the groin and armpits
- Have the person lie down in a cool area with their feet slightly elevated
Heat Stroke
- Severe throbbing headache
- Dizziness
- Disorientation, agitation or confusion
- Sluggishness or fatigue
- Seizure
- Hot, dry skin that is flushed but not sweaty
- A high body temperature
- Loss of consciousness
- Rapid heart beat
- Hallucinations
Dehydration
- Thirst
- Less-frequent urination
- Dry skin
- Fatigue
- Light-headedness
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Dry mouth and mucous membranes
- Increased heart rate and breathing
- In children, additional symptoms may include dry mouth and tongue; no tears when crying; no wet diapers for more than 3 hours; sunken abdomen, eyes or cheeks; high fever; listlessness; irritability; skin that does not flatten when pinched and released.
How Dehydration Can Be Prevented
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially when working or playing in the sun
- Make sure you are taking in more fluid than you are losing
- Drink appropriate sports drinks to help maintain electrolyte balance
- Infants and children should be given Pedialyte to maintain their electrolyte balance
You can also do your part by reducing your power usage by following these steps.
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