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Press Archive

Stay Safe and Healthy During a Heat Advisory -- 7.18.2011

COLUMBUS PUBLIC HEALTH & FRANKLIN COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH – Joint Press Release
July 18, 2011

Stay Safe and Healthy During a Heat Advisory

Extreme heat and humidity in the area has resulted in the National Weather Service issuing a Heat Advisory for our area from noon until 9:00 p.m. today.  Columbus Public Health and Franklin County Public Health offer the following tips to stay cool and safe:

Stay inside in air conditioning whenever possible.  If you do not have an air conditioner, use movie theaters, malls, libraries and other public places that are cool.  Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. 

  • Drink plenty of water – do not wait until you are thirsty. Avoid beverages with alcohol, caffeine and sugar because they will dehydrate you.
  • Eat light meals. Avoid hot foods and heavy meals—they add heat to your body. 
  • Dress infants and children in cool, loose clothing and shade their heads and faces with hats or an umbrella. The same advice is good for adults too.
  • Limit sun exposure during mid-day hours and stay in the shade when possible.  Try to limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours when it is cooler.
  • Do not leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car.
  • Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets, and leave the water in a shady area. Bring your pet indoors where it is cooler when you can.

Residents looking for sources for fans, air conditioners, and energy assistance programs can contact HandsOn Central Ohio at 211.

Heat related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can strike at any time.  Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, headache, absence of perspiration and dry, hot flushed skin.  Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.

Be sure to think of your pets too.  Never leave an animal in the car on hot days and be sure they have plenty of fresh water when outside.  Avoid leaving your pet outside on hot, humid days.  Bring your pet in when you can.

For more information visit the Columbus Public Health website at www.publichealth.columbus.gov or the Franklin County Public Health website at www.myfcph.org.