The Centers for Disease Control estimates that heat accounts for nearly 700 fatalities every year. With summer temperatures soaring, it sometimes feels as if there is no end in sight.
Some precautions to escape serious physical symptoms due to heat exposure seem obvious but are frequently forgotten or the effects of high temperatures are under estimated.
The American Red Cross recommends:
- Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
- Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine. Try to go to a public building with air conditioning each day for several hours. Remember, electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help sweat evaporate, which cools your body.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun’s energy.
- Drink plenty of water regularly and often. Your body needs water to keep cool.
- Drink plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty.
- Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. They can make you feel good briefly, but make the heat’s effects on your body worse. This is especially true about beer, which dehydrates the body.
- Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increase metabolic heat.
- Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
In severe heat emergencies, many jurisdictions open “Cooling Centers” to provide an air conditioned environment and medical attention for those who may not have access to these service because they are homeless or elderly.
For instance, in California, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) provides a map of cooling centers throughout the state. Often local authorities will publicize open cooling centers through the news. If you or someone you know needs a cooling center check with your local police or fire department to find the cooling center nearest you.
Also check out the AMW Safety Center video, Riding The Heat Wave and Keeping Cool While Exercising In The Summer Sun for more tips to keep you safe during extreme heat conditions.
