July 26, 2023 – As temperatures climb into the upper 90s—with heat indices peaking as high as 110—this week, the American Red Cross has issued a list of heat safety tips to help you stay cool.
According to the National Weather Service, heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, causing hundreds of deaths per year. Especially for vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, children and the elderly, extended amounts of time in unusually hot weather can cause several health issues, including heat exhaustion or stroke.
Don’t let yourself get caught in extreme heat without learning about how to deal with hotter-than-normal temperatures beforehand. National agencies, including the American Red Cross, annually publish a list of tips to stay cool during sweltering conditions. This is not an exhaustive list, and you should follow guidance from a doctor or healthcare professional if you have a health condition that could impact the amount of time you can spend outside.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids—especially water that isn’t ice cold. Avoid overly sugary beverages, alcohol and caffeine.
- Know where you can go for A/C. If you don’t have air conditioning, go to a local cooling center to beat the heat. Schools, libraries, theaters and malls usually offer spaces to cool off.
- Look before you lock. Never leave children or pets in a locked vehicle, even if the windows are rolled down. On an 80-degree day, the inside of a parked car can reach fatal temperatures in a little under an hour. With this week’s record-setting temperatures, cars can heat up within minutes.
- Wear the right clothing. Make sure you pull out loose-fitting, light-colored clothing to wear on hot days. Avoid dark colors, because they absorb instead of reflect the sun’s rays.
- Check on loved ones—especially your furry friends. Check on older, sick or frail people who may have trouble dealing with the heat. Don’t forget about your pets either—bring them inside if possible and make sure they have plenty of water and shade available.
- Limit time outdoors. Try to reschedule activities for a time when it’s cooler, if possible. If working outside, make sure to take plenty of breaks, stay hydrated and find shade to rest in.
Knowing how to treat heat-related illnesses is a crucial skill to have as temperatures climb. Recognize the symptoms of heat cramps (painful muscle cramps in the legs or abdomen), heat exhaustion (heavy sweating, fatigue, clammy skin, dizziness and/or fainting) and heat stroke (throbbing headache, confusion, red/damp skin and/or fainting). Each of these conditions requires a different treatment strategy—learn more by clicking HERE. Above all, if you believe someone is experiencing symptoms of a heat-related illness, monitor their condition and/or call 911.
For more information, visit the National Weather Service’s website HERE or the American Red Cross’ website HERE. Stay cool!
