Be Prepared For Potentially Dangerous Heat

* Impacts...Exceedingly high temperatures can cause heat related illness including death, more easily than an average summer day. Those working or playing outdoors and those without air conditioning are most vulnerable. Even healthy individuals are at risk in these conditions.

Precautionary/preparedness actions:

• Plan your day and make plans to stay cool.

• Take extra precautions if working or spending time outside. When possible reschedule and limit strenuous activities to early mornings or evenings.

• Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

- High body temperature. A body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher is the main sign of heatstroke.

- A lack of sweating. In heatstroke brought on by hot weather, your skin will feel hot and dry to the touch. However, in heatstroke brought on by strenuous exercise, your skin may feel moist.

- Nausea and vomiting. You may feel sick to your stomach or vomit.

- Flushed skin. Your skin may turn red as your body temperature increases.

- Rapid breathing. Your breathing may become rapid and shallow.

- Racing heart rate. Your pulse may significantly increase because heat stress places a tremendous burden on your heart to help cool your body.

- Headache. You may experience a throbbing headache.

- Confusion. You may have seizures, hallucinate, or have difficulty speaking or understanding what others are saying.

- Unconsciousness. You may pass out or fall into a state of deep unconsciousness (coma).

- Muscle cramps or weakness. Your muscles may feel tender or cramped in the early stages of heatstroke, but may later go rigid or limp.

• Drink a lot of water!!

• If possible wear light weight and loose fitting clothes and a wide-brimmed hat to keep your head and body cool.

• To reduce risk during outdoor work the occupational safety and health administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments.

• Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency...call 9-1-1.

Watch out for your pets as well.