Smoking Hot, Tips To Stay Safe
September 18, 2017
Your best defense against heat-related illness is prevention. Staying cool and making simple changes in your fluid intake, activities, and clothing during hot weather can help you remain safe and healthy.
PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE WHEN OUTDOORS
- Reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.
- Wear light weight and loose fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.
- Schedule frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments.
- Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency – call 911.
- Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
HEAT EXHAUSTION
SYMPTOMS
- Heavy sweating
- Weakness
- Cold, pale, & clammy skin
- Fast, weak pulse
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fainting
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
- Move to cooler location
- Lie down and loosen your clothing
- Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of your body as possible
- Sip water
- If you have vomited and it continues, seek medical attention immediately
HEAT STROKE
SYMPTOMS
- High body temperature (above 103 degrees)
- Hot, red, dry or moist skin
- Rapid and strong pulse
- Possible unconsciousness
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
- Call 911 immediately—this is a medical emergency
- Move the person to a cooler environment
- Reduce the person’s body temperature with cool cloths or even a bath
- DO NOT give fluids
If your home doesn’t have a permanently installed cooling system, contact LEC to learn about energy saving ductless heat pumps. We may be able to offer a rebate to help you keep cool!