06/24/2021
This weekend we are having an extreme heat event. Please read this and take the proper precautions.
Getting too hot can make you sick. You can become ill from the heat if your body can’t compensate for it and properly cool you off. The main things affecting your body’s ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather are:
High humidity. When the humidity is high, sweat won’t evaporate as quickly. This keeps your body from releasing heat as fast as it may need to.
Personal factors. Age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and prescription drug and alcohol use all can play a role in whether a person can cool off enough in very hot weather.
Take these measures to stay cool and remain hydrated.
Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as you can.
Do not rely on a fan as your main cooling device during an extreme heat event. Fans can become dangerous in extreme heat, creating a convection oven inside your home, when not properly used with open windows.
Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.
Don’t use the stove or oven to cook—it will make you and your house hotter.
Limit your outdoor activity, especially midday when the sun is hottest.
Wear and reapply sunscreen as indicated on the package.
Pace your activity. Start activities slow and pick up the pace gradually.
Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more. Muscle cramping may be an early sign of heat-related illness. Replace electrolytes with Gatorade or Powerade.
Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
Never leave children or pets in cars.
Take the same precautions for your animals as you do yourself. They cannot fend for themselves and it’s up to you to protect them and keep them safe.