Hot Weather Safety Tips
- Extra precautions should be taken for those who suffer from asthma or have chronic diseases, health officials say.
- Heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can strike at any time. ( Health officials say anyone experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, headache, absence of perspiration, or dry, hot flushed skin should seek immediate medical attention.)
- During conditions of excessive heat, spend time in locations with air-conditioning such as shopping malls or public libraries.
- Please be sure to check on your neighbors, especially those who have no air-conditioning, have a chronic disease or respiratory ailment, and are elderly.
- Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages and increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. Water is your best option – do not wait until you are thirsty.
- During heavy exercise in a hot environment, be sure to drink two to four glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour.
- Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home. Eat light meals.
- Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
- Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open.
- Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a hat.
- If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas so that your body’s thermostat will have a chance to recover.
- Residents looking for sources for fans, air- conditioners, and energy assistance programs can contact HandsOn Central Ohio at 211.
–Source Columbus Public Health