Massive heat waves are hitting parts of the country and breaking records. June has been a hot month with predictions that the heat will continue throughout the summer. Summer heat can be dangerous. The best defense against heat-related illness is prevention. Staying cool and making simple changes in your fluid intake, activities and clothing during hot weather can help you remain safe and healthy.
Extreme Heat Safety Tips:
- Never leave a person or a pet in the car in hot conditions while you run to do a quick errand. People and animals can succumb to heat exposure and death very quickly in a hot car. Cars can become overheated quickly and when overheated become like ovens. It’s never safe.
- Drink more fluids (avoid alcohol and high sugar drinks which can lead to dehydration)
- Wear light clothing
- Never leave persons, infants, young children or animals in a closed, parked vehicle
- During the hottest hours of the day, stay inside.
- Keep blinds and curtains closed from morning until the late afternoon to block extra direct heat from sunlight.
- Supervise children during outdoor play, being sure to monitor them closely and frequently.
- Stay on the lowest level of your home.
- Use small appliances like slow cookers and tabletop grills instead of ovens and stoves.
- Verify that seat belts and car seat restraints are not too hot before buckling yourself or anyone else into the car.
- Go to a cool place. Air conditioned movie theatres, malls or community centers.
- Call and check on family, friends and neighbors.
- Seek medical care right away if you become nauseous, start vomiting or experience cramps.
Protect yourself and your family from exposure to the sun and reduce your risk of sunburn, skin cancer and heat stress.
Source: emergency.cdc.gov
Written by: Beth Stefura, M Ed, RD,LD. Ohio State University Extension Educator, Mahoning County, Crossroads EERA, stefura.2@osu.edu
Reviewed by: Joanna Rini, Ohio State University Extension, Medina County, Western Reserve EERA, rini.41@osu.edu. Donna Green, BS, MA, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Ohio State University Extension, Erie County, Erie Basin EERA, green.308@osu.edu
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