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| Photo: Center for Disease Control and Prevention |
Extremely high temperatures and hot weather can affect your health and even cause death. Persons who are most vulnerable include the elderly, infants and children, people with chronic medical conditions and outdoor workers. Heat-related illness occurs when the body is not able to properly cool itself. In certain conditions with hot weather and high humidity, body temperatures rise high enough to impair body functions and damage the brain or other vital organs.
Be aware of risks and take steps to prevent heat-related illness and injury.
Never leave young children in a hot car – temperatures inside cars rise much quicker than you’d think. Even with the window cracked, temperatures can get as high as 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Stay cool. Spend time in air-conditioning; limit outdoor activities during the hottest time of day. if working outside, do so early morning or afternoon and stay in shaded areas.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of cool fluids to replace perspiration. Avoid caffeinated, sugary and alcoholic beverages.
Protect yourself from the hot sun. Wear sun-screen and avoid getting sun-burned. Dress in cool light-colored loose clothing; shade your face and head with a hat
Learn signs of heat illness. Learn about heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and call for medical help immediately if symptoms of severe heat-illness is observed or experienced.
Visit www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/ for more information.
