Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County is reminding everyone to be aware of the health risks from the early-spring heat.
While Public Health encourages individuals to be physically active and do things outside, everyone needs to take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Unusually hot temperatures can affect your health. Most vulnerable are the elderly, those who work or exercise outdoors, infants and children, the homeless and people with a chronic medical condition.
Public Health recommends that everyone pay particular attention to the following suggestions:
Stay cool
- Stay in air-conditioned buildings.
- Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device. Use air conditioning if available.
- Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when it is the hottest part of the day, and avoid direct sunlight.
- Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature.
- Adjust blinds, shades, and awnings to keep out the sun.
- Check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors at least twice a day.
- Children and pets should not be left unattended in closed vehicles. Temperatures can reach dangerous levels rapidly.
Stay hydrated
- Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
- Drink two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
- Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
- Make sure your family, friends and neighbors are drinking enough water.
Stay informed
- Check your local news for extreme heat warnings and safety tips.
- Visit www.phdmc.org to find local information and tips for preventing heat sickness.
- Keep your friends, family and neighbors aware of weather and heat safety information.
Additionally, Public Health encourages all residents to learn the signs and first aid response for heat-related illness. Warning signs and symptoms vary but may include:
Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms
- Heavy sweating
- Weakness
- Skin cold, pale, and clammy
- Weak pulse
- Fainting and vomiting
What You Should Do
- Move to a cooler location.
- Lie down and loosen your clothing.
- Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of your body as possible.
- Sip water.
- If you have vomited and it continues, seek medical attention immediately.
Heat Stroke
Symptoms
- High body temperature (above 103°F)
- Hot, red, dry or moist skin
- Rapid and strong pulse
- Possible unconsciousness
What You Should Do
- Call 911 immediately — this is a medical emergency.
- Move the person to a cooler environment.
- Reduce the person's body temperature with cool cloths or even a bath.
- Do NOT give fluids.
For more information on extreme heat, visit www.cdc.gov/extremeheat
