High temperatures kill hundreds of people every year. Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable. On an average annual basis more than 700 people die from extreme heat every year in the United States. Here are 7 tips experts suggest for avoiding becoming a heat casualty:
#1 – Check the Forecast
Check your local weather report to see if there’s an excessive heat advisory. Excessive heat watch is issued when conditions are favorable for excessive heat in the next 24 to 72 hours. A heat advisory is issued within 12 hours before dangerous heat conditions are expected.
#2 – Never Leave Pets or People in a Car
Infants and children are especially susceptible to getting a heat stroke or dying when left in a car.
#3 – Drink Water
Keep yourself and your pets hydrated. Drink more fluids, regardless of how active you are. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. During the hotter days of summer, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends drinking one cup of water for every 15 minutes you’re outside in order to stay hydrated.
#4 – Dress Appropriately and Wear Sunscreen
Protect yourself from the sun by wearing loose, lightweight, light-colored clothes, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. Put on a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going outside during the day.
#5 – Avoid Strenuous Activity
Limit your outdoor activity to when it’s cooler — morning and evening hours. Take frequent breaks in shady areas so your body has a chance to recover.
#6 – Eat Light
Hot, heavy meals add heat to your body.
#7 – Check on Your Family and Friends
Older adults, children, and people with chronic medical conditions are at high risk from heat-related injury and death. A simple phone call or text message may be the difference between life and death.
If you have signs of heat cramps or heat exhaustion, go to a cooler location and cool down by removing excess clothing and taking sips of sports drinks or water. Call your healthcare provider if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.
