When the dog days of summer deliver hot temperatures and high humidity, the American Red Cross of Union County urges residents to take precautions against the heat.  Below are some ways you can beat the heat. 

• Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun’s energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.
• Drink water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.
• Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 and 7 a.m.
• Stay indoors when possible. If air-conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine.  Remember that electric fans do not cool, they simply circulate the air.
• Be a good neighbor. During heat waves, check in on elderly residents in your neighborhood and those who do not have air conditioning.

General Care for Heat Emergencies: 

• Heat cramps or heat exhaustion: Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion, and are the first indication that the body is having trouble with the heat. Heat exhaustion occurs when people exercise heavily or work where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating.  For both cases, get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. If the person is fully awake and alert, give half a glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not let him or her drink too quickly. Do not give liquids that contain alcohol or caffeine. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths, such as towels or sheets. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number if the person refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness.
• Heat stroke: Also known as sunstroke, is a life-threatening situation! The victim stops sweating, and the body temperature can rise so quickly brain damage can occur. Signals include hot, red and dry skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. Help is needed fast. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number; move the person to a cooler place; quickly cool the body; immerse victim in a cool bath, or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it.  Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body any way you can. If the victim refuses water or is vomiting or there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink.

For more information on the American Red Cross of Union County, or how to protect you and your family from the heat, please contact the chapter at 704-283-7402 for

Anson
County, or log-on to www.unioncountyredcross.org.

This entry was posted on Monday, August 6th, 2007 at 11:18 am and is filed under Events. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.