Dealing with summer heat | News

With temperatures already skyrocketing into the 90's early this year, it is a good time to refresh yourself with some summer safety tips.  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention offers these tips to protect yourself and your loved ones from Heat- Related Stress:

• Drink cool, non-alcoholic beverages.  If your doctor generally limits your fluid intake, check first to see how much you should drink in hot weather.
• Rest.
• Take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.
• If possible, seek an air-conditioned environment.  If you do not have air conditioning, consider visiting a shopping mall or public library to cool off.
• Wear lightweight clothing and wide brimmed hats when outdoors.
• If possible, remain indoors in the heat of the day.
• Do not engage in strenuous activities.
• If you have elderly relatives or neighbors, you should consider checking on them at least twice a day during hot weather.  Encourage them to increase their fluid intake by drinking cool, non-alcoholic beverages unless otherwise advised by their doctor.
• Take them to air-conditioned locations if they have transportation problems.

If you see any signs of severe heat stress in someone, call for immediate medical assistance and begin cooling the affected person.

• Get them to a shady area.
• Cool the person rapidly, using whatever methods you can.  For example, place the person in a cool shower; spray them with a garden hose; sponge the person with cool water and attempt to cool them off.
• Do not give the person alcohol to drink.
• Get medical assistance, call 911.

NEVER leave anyone (pets included) in a closed vehicle.  Don't forget if you have outdoor pets, they need extra water in hot weather.

If you follow these tips, you should be able to avoid these Heat-Related Illnesses and have a safe summer.