Tips for staying safe in the heat

The American Red Cross outlines important tips to follow in hot temperatures and high humidity, pointing out that 'the elderly and the very young are the most susceptible to heat illness.'

Red Cross Heat Wave Safety Tips:

Prepare. Discuss heat safety precautions with members of your household. Have a plan for what to do if the power goes out.

Dress for the heat. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.

Stay hydrated. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine, which dehydrate the body.

Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.

Slow down and 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. Take frequent breaks.

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 family, friends and neighbors who are elderly or ill and those who do not have air conditioning. Check on your animals frequently, too, to make sure they are not suffering from the heat.

Learn Red Cross first aid and CPR/AED.

General Care for Heat Emergencies:

Heat exhaustion (from exercising heavily or working in a hot, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating): 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, and have the person drink slowly. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths to the skin. Fan the person. Call 911 or the local emergency number if the person refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness.

Heat stroke (or sunstroke; when a person's temperature-control system stops working): Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation! Help is needed fast. Call 911 or your local emergency number. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Wrap wet towels or sheets around the body. Use a water hose, if available, to cool the victim. Watch for signals of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body. 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.