Hot Weather Tips
Monday, June 22, 2009As temperatures continue to rise, the American Red Cross issues the following tips for safely coping with the heat:
- Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.Drink water.
- Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.
- Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein which increase metabolic heat. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
- Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.
- Stay indoors when possible.
- Take regular breaks. When engaged in physical activity on warm days, take time out to find a cool place. If you recognize that you, or someone else, is showing the signals of a heat-related illness, stop activity and find a cool place.
General treatment for victims of heat-related illness may be summarized in three steps:
1. Cool the Body. Get the person to a cool/shady place if possible and allow to rest in a comfortable position.
2. Give Fluids. If the person is fully awake and alert, give a half glass of cool water or sports beverage every 15 minutes. Do not allow drinking too quickly and do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse.
3. Minimize Shock. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths such as towels or wet sheets. If the person is vomiting, has a decreased alertness level or complete loss of consciousness and/or high body temperature, he or she is experiencing Heat Stroke – call 9-1-1 and quickly cool the body by wrapping the person in sheets and fanning. If you have ice packs or cold packs, wrap them in a cloth and place them on each of the person's wrists and ankles, in the armpits and on the neck to cool the large blood vessels.
View all Articles