Take Action Now to Prevent Heat Illness
FREDERICK, Md. - Extreme heat season has begun with the weather forecast calling for heat indexes over 100 degrees Thursday and Friday. More than 600 people in the United States are killed by extreme heat every year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heat illnesses and deaths are preventable. Plan now to stay safe in the heat.
NEVER leave children or pets unattended in vehicles.
Car interiors can quickly reach deadly temperatures even when it feels cool outside. In 2007, an infant from Virginia died of heatstroke after being left in a car on a 66℉ day. Opening a window or parking in the shade does not prevent cars from reaching deadly temperatures.
Stay hydrated.
Drink more water and don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink. High temperatures cause more loss of body fluids through sweat. Avoid alcohol which can increase fluid loss quickly leading to dehydration.
Keep an eye on older relatives and neighbors and those aged 4 and younger.
People aged 65 years or older are less likely to feel overheated or thirsty until already dehydrated. Very young children are also sensitive to heat. It is important to check in and make sure that they are staying cool and hydrated.
Talk with your healthcare provider.
Some medical conditions and medications make you more sensitive to heat. For example, people with diabetes get dehydrated faster and some medicines used to treat high blood pressure can worsen dehydration. Talk to your healthcare provider about staying safe in high temperatures.
Find someplace cool during the hottest daytime hours.
Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours as much as possible. Heat is typically highest between the hours of 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. and peaks in the afternoon. If your home does not have air conditioning, visit a public air-conditioned space such a library, mall, movie theater, or museum. Electric fans do not prevent heat illness when the temperature is in the high 90s.
Pets get heat illness too!
Make sure your pet has a cool place to lay and plenty of water. Do not leave your pet outside in the heat for long periods of time. Dog and cat footpads can burn on hot surfaces like concrete, metal, pavement, sidewalks and asphalt. Walk them in the shade or grass and look for signs of discomfort.
Know the signs of heat illness.
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Heat Exhaustion Symptoms: Heavy sweating; weakness or tiredness; cool, pale, clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; muscle cramps; dizziness, nausea or vomiting; headache; fainting.
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First Aid: Move the person to an air-conditioned location. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths or have person sit in a cool bath. Offer sips of water.
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Heat Stroke Symptoms: Throbbing headache; confusion; slurred speech; nausea; dizziness; body temperature above 103°F; hot, red, dry or damp skin; rapid and strong pulse; fainting; loss of consciousness.
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First Aid: Call 9-1-1 or go to a hospital immediately. Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Delay can cause death. Move the person to an air-conditioned location. Reduce body temperature with cool cloths or bath. Do NOT give fluids.
Very hot weather can quickly make even healthy adults sick. Older adults, those who are pregnant, infants and young children, people experiencing homelessness, and people with pre-existing health conditions are at higher risk for heat illness. If you think someone is having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1.
Sign up for Excessive Heat Warnings and other emergency alerts at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/ALERT.
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CONTACT: Rebekah May
Alert and Warning Coordinator
Division of Emergency Management
301-600-6788
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