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Heat Wave Safety Tips
Slow down.
Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated or rescheduled
to the coolest time of the day; individuals at risk should stay
in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
Dress for summer.
Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight and
helps your body maintain normal temperatures.
Put less fuel on your inner fires.
Foods (like proteins) that increase metabolic heat production also
increase water loss.
Drink plenty of water or other non-alcohol
fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool.
Drink plenty of fluids even if you don't feel thirsty. Persons who
(1) have epilepsy or heart, kidney or liver disease, (2) are on
fluid restrictive diets or (3) have a problem with fluid retention
should consult a physician before increasing their consumption of
fluids.
Do not drink alcoholic beverages.
Do not take salt tablets unless
specified by a physician. Persons on salt
restrictive diets should consult a physician before increasing their
salt intake.
Spend more time in air conditioned
places. Air conditioning in homes and other
buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat. If you cannot afford
an air conditioner, spending some time each day (during hot weather)
in an air conditioned environment affords some protection.
Don't get too much sun.
Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation more difficult.
| HEAT
DISORDER |
SYMPTOMS
|
FIRST
AID
|
| Sunburn |
Redness and pain. In severe cases
swelling of skin, blisters, fever and/or headaches.
|
Ointments for mild cases if blisters
appear and do not break. If breaking occurs, apply dry sterile
dressing. Serious, extensive cases should be seen by physician.
|
| Heat Cramps |
Painful spasms usually in muscles
of legs and abdomen possible. Heavy sweating.
|
Firm pressure on cramping muscles
or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea
occurs, stop.
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| Heat Exhaustion |
Heavy sweating, weakness, skin
cold, pale and clammy. Pulse thready. Normal temperature possible.
Fainting and vomiting.
|
Get victim out of sun. Lay down
and loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim
to air conditioned room. Sips of water. If nausea occurs, stop.
If vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention.
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| Heat Stroke (or sunstroke) |
High body temperature (106ºF or
higher). Hot dry skin. Rapid and strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness.
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HEAT STROKE IS A SEVERE MEDICAL
EMERGENCY. SUMMON EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE OR GET THE VICTIM
TO HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY. DELAY CAN BE FATAL. Move the victim
to a cooler environment. Reduce body temperature with cold bath
or sponging. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing, use fans
and air conditioners. If temperature rises again, repeat process.
Do not give fluids.
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