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Extreme Heat - What to do
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Extreme Heat - What to do

Extreme heat can be dangerous, but there are several steps you can take to stay safe and cool:

Stay Hydrated

  • Drink Plenty of Water: Aim for at least 8 glasses of water a day, more if you’re active or sweating a lot.
  • Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine: These can dehydrate you.

Stay Cool

  • Stay Indoors: Spend time in air-conditioned buildings. If you don’t have AC at home, go to public places like shopping malls, libraries, or community centers.
  • Use Fans Wisely: While fans can help, they might not prevent heat-related illnesses when temperatures are extremely high. Use them with open windows or with an air conditioning unit.
  • Take Cool Showers or Baths: This can help lower your body temperature.

Dress Appropriately

  • Wear Light Clothing: Opt for lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothes.
  • Use Hats and Sunglasses: Protect yourself from direct sunlight.

Limit Outdoor Activities

  • Avoid Strenuous Activity: Try to plan your exercise or physical labor for cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late evening.
  • Take Frequent Breaks: Rest often in shaded or cool areas.

Eat Light

  • Light Meals: Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Heavy meals can increase your body’s internal heat.

Protect Vulnerable Individuals

  • Check on Neighbors and Family: Make sure elderly, children, and those with health conditions are staying cool and hydrated.
  • Never Leave Anyone in a Parked Car: Temperatures can rise quickly, leading to fatal conditions.

Prepare Your Home

  • Close Blinds and Curtains: This helps keep your home cool.
  • Use Heat-Blocking Film on Windows: These can reduce heat entering your home.
  • Use a Programmable Thermostat: Set it to start cooling your home before you arrive.
  • Heat Exhaustion Symptoms: Heavy sweating, weakness, cold/pale/clammy skin, fast/weak pulse, nausea, or fainting.
  • Heat Stroke Symptoms: High body temperature (above 103°F), hot/red/dry skin, rapid/strong pulse, confusion, or unconsciousness.

If you or someone else is experiencing heat stroke, seek medical attention immediately. Move to a cooler place and use cool cloths or a bath to lower body temperature.

Stay informed about weather conditions and heat advisories through reliable sources, and take proactive steps to protect yourself and others from extreme heat.