Tips to Stay Safe During Excessive Heat Warning -- 7.21.2011
COLUMBUS PUBLIC HEALTH & FRANKLIN COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH – Press Release
July 21, 2011
Tips to Stay Safe During an Excessive Heat Warning
Extreme heat and humidity has resulted in the National Weather Service issuing an Excessive Heat Warning for our area. In addition, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) has issued an Air Quality Alert for today. Columbus Public Health and the Franklin County Public Health offer the following tips to stay safe:
- Residents are encouraged to seek air-conditioned facilities today. Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death. During conditions of extreme heat, spend time in locations with air-conditioning such as shopping malls or public libraries.
- Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages and increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. Water is your best option - do not wait until you are thirsty!
- Make sure children and the elderly are drinking water, and ensure that persons with mobility problems have adequate fluids in easy reach.
- During heavy exercise in a hot environment, be sure to drink two to four glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour and, if possible, reduce physical activity or reschedule it for cooler times of the day.
- Residents are encouraged to check on older adults and others at greatest risk including people who are overweight, ill, or have chronic medical conditions at least twice a day and watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress).
- Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home. Eat light meals.
- Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower, bath and moving to an air-conditioned place are much better options to cool off.
- Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open – not even for a minute!
- Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and a hat.
- If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas so that your body's thermostat will have a chance to recover.
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. 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.
People with asthma or other respiratory problems are more likely to suffer an increase in the severity of their symptoms during an Air Quality Alert and are urged to limit prolonged outdoor exertion on days like today.
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