Beat the Heat: Protect Yourself When the Mercury Rises
By Kara Sibilia
Here's how to protect yourself during a heat wave:
-Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
-Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
-Eat small meals and eat more often.
-Avoid extreme temperature changes.
-Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
-Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
-Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.
-Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors.
-Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
-Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Ensure your animals have water and a shady place to rest.
-Have a plan for wherever you spend time— home, work and school—and prepare for the possibility of power outages.
-Know those in your neighborhood who are elderly, young, sick or overweight. They are more likely to become victims of excessive heat and may need help.
-If you don’t have air conditioning, choose places to go to for relief from the heat during the hottest part of the day – schools, libraries, theaters, malls.
-Be aware that people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than are people living in rural areas.
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Extreme heat can be a big health risk. Illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke are caused from excessive exposure to stifling temperatures. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, elderly people (65 years and older), infants, children, and people with chronic medical conditions are more prone to heat stress. "In recent years there have been more heat-related deaths than with all other weather events, including flooding,” said Sharon Stanley, chief nurse of the American Red Cross. “It’s important to know what to do to keep yourself and others safe in these extremely hot conditions.” |
-Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
-Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
-Eat small meals and eat more often.
-Avoid extreme temperature changes.
-Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
-Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
-Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.
-Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors.
-Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
-Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Ensure your animals have water and a shady place to rest.
-Have a plan for wherever you spend time— home, work and school—and prepare for the possibility of power outages.
-Know those in your neighborhood who are elderly, young, sick or overweight. They are more likely to become victims of excessive heat and may need help.
-If you don’t have air conditioning, choose places to go to for relief from the heat during the hottest part of the day – schools, libraries, theaters, malls.
-Be aware that people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than are people living in rural areas.
Sources: www.redcross.org, www.cdc.gov
Kara Sibilia, mother of two, is a freelance writer based in New Jersey. To
contact Kara, please email kara_sibilia@yahoo.com.
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