I Need to Stay Safe in the Heat

The hurricane is over, but are you prepared for the heat? Temperatures are expected to be in the 80s in Texas this week. Whether you’re outside cleaning up debris or inside your home without air conditioning, the heat can be dangerous. Stay safe with these extreme heat tips:

  • Try to stay inside and avoid the sun. If you don’t have air conditioning in your home, stay in your basement or the lowest part of your house where it’s cooler. Or, go to public places that have air conditioning, such as malls, libraries, schools, and other community buildings.
  • If you must be in the sun, wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. You can find the SPF number on the outside of the bottle.
  • Make sure that you keep your curtains or blinds closed on windows that receive sunlight. This can help keep your house cool. You could also cover windows with cardboard wrapped in aluminum foil to reflect heat back outside.
  • Avoid working too hard during the day, when it’s the hottest. Your body is working hard to keep a normal temperature, so do your best to not overwork it.
  • Drink a lot of water! It’s important to drink a lot of fluids (about 1 cup every 15 minutes), otherwise you could get dehydrated. Dehydration is when your body doesn’t have enough fluids in it. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks (like coffee or soda), since they can contribute to dehydration.
  • Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. This will help keep you cooler than dark and tight clothes. You can also wear a hat to keep the sun off your face.
  • Do NOT leave any pets or children in a car. Cars heat up very quickly in extreme heat.

Watch for Symptoms
Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion:

  • Headaches, dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • A weak pulse
  • Heavy sweating but your skin may be cool, pale or flushed
  • Feeling confused or irritable
  • An upset stomach and vomiting

Here are symptoms of heat stroke:

  • Dry, hot skin but no sweating
  • High temperature (105 degrees or higher)
  • Feeling confused or irritable
  • Quick, shallow breathing
  • Losing consciousness
  • Seizures or convulsions

If you suspect that you or someone is suffering from heat stroke, call 911 immediately. While you’re waiting for help to come, make sure the person stays in a shaded area, drinks cool water, and loosens or removes clothing.

Where can you go to get more information?
Visit the FEMA website to learn more about extreme heat.

 

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