- Beat the heat in an air-conditioned environment. If your home is not air conditioned, visit a mall, public library or take in a movie. Fans offer comfort, but will not prevent heat-related illness. A cool shower or bath is more effective.
- Drink plenty of cool water to prevent dehydration. Avoid caffeine or alcohol.
- Limit exposure to the sun at mid-day. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothes and a hat. Avoid heavy meals and hot foods that add to body temperature.
- Very young children, elderly persons, or those folks with pre-existing medical conditions are most vulnerable to the heat. If you know someone like that, check on them at least twice a day. Or if that is you, have someone call or check on you.
Heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a mild form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate fluid intake. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are infants and children up to four years old, elderly people, those with high blood pressure, and those working or exercising in a hot environment.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include:
- Cool, moist skin
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Fast, shallow breathing
- Fast, weak pulse rate
- Headache
- Heavy sweating
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea or vomiting
- Paleness
- Tiredness
- Weakness
Seek urgent medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour. Untreated, heat exhaustion may progress to heat stroke. Seek emergency medical attention or call 911 immediately if symptoms are severe, or the affected person has heart problems or high blood pressure.
Heat stroke
Heat stroke is a serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. Body temperature may rise to 106° F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.
Symptoms of heat stroke may include:
- Confusion, agitation, hallucinations
- Dizziness
- Extremely high body temperature (above 103° F)
- Nausea
- Rapid heartbeat
- Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
- Throbbing headache
- Unconsciousness
If you experience any of these symptoms or notice them in others, get indoors quickly. Apply cool water to the skin and place ice packs on the groin and armpits. Seek immediate emergency medical attention or call 911.