JUNE 15, 2015
In recent years, excessive heat has caused more deaths than all other weather events, including floods. Many states are facing a heat advisory with the rising temperatures.
A heat advisory is defined as heat index values
forecasted to meet locally defined advisory criteria for 1 to 2 days
(daytime highs=100-105° Fahrenheit).
Stay cool, stay hydrated and stay safe with these tips:
· Slow down:
reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities until the coolest
time of the day. Children, seniors and anyone with health problems
should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
· Dress for summer. Wear lightweight, loose lifting, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.
· Eat light, cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads.
· Drink plenty of water (not very cold), non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids, even if you don't feel thirsty. If you on a fluid restrictive diet or have a problem with fluid retention, consult a physician before increasing consumption of fluids.
· Use air conditioners or spend time in air-conditioned locations such as malls and libraries.
· Use portable electric fans to exhaust hot air from rooms or draw in cooler air.
· Do not direct the flow of portable electric fans toward yourself when room temperature is hotter than 90°F. The dry blowing air will dehydrate you faster, endangering your health.
· Minimize direct exposure to the sun. Sunburn reduces your body's ability to dissipate heat.
· Take a cool bath or shower.
· Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician.
· Check on older, sick, or frail people who may need help responding to the heat. Each year, dozens of children and untold numbers of pets left in parked vehicles die from hyperthermia. Keep your children, disabled adults, and pets safe during tumultuous heat waves.