Tips to staying ahead of summertime heat

Tips to staying ahead of summertime heat

With heat indexes of 100 plus degrees the norm during Gjlf Coast summers, practicing heat safety and knowing the potential risks associated with high temperatures are keys to safe summertime fun. Follow these tips to stay safe in the heat:
• Never leave a child, pet or anyone else in a parked vehicle, even for a short amount of time or with the windows rolled down. Temperatures inside a vehicle can become deadly within minutes.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, even if you are not thirsty.
• Limit strenuous outdoor activities. If you must be outside, find shade, stay hydrated and take frequent breaks.
• Remember to check on the elderly, sick and those without air conditioning.
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing. Wear sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
Stay in an air conditioned area if possible. Air conditioning is the strongest protective factor against heat-related illness.
Know the warning signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion:
If there are symptoms of heat stroke, call 911 and take immediate action to cool the person until help arrives. If there are symptoms of heat exhaustion, get to a cooler, air conditioned place, drink water (if fully conscious), and take a cool shower or use a cold compress. To learn more about heat safety, visit weather.gov/heat.

Heat exhaustion:

Feeling faint or dizzy
Excessive sweating
Cool, pale, clammy skin
Nausea or vomiting
Rapid, weak pulse
Muscle cramps

Heat stroke:

Throbbing headache
No sweating
Body temperature above 103
Red, hot, dry skin
Nausea or vomiting
Rapid, strong pulse
May lose consciousness