Excessive Heat Awareness & Safety

Don't be a statistic this summer,  beat the heat!

How to Beat the Heat

  •  Hydrate. Whether you feel thirsty or not, drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated, especially when you're working or exercising outside. 
  • Educate yourself. Keep up with the latest temperature and heat index forecasts and current readings (take actions to stay cool and safe when the temperatures hits 85 degrees or the heat index hits 90 degrees). Know the warning signs of a heat illness, and how you can stay cool. 
  • Act quickly when a heat illness is suspected. Seek medical attention immediately for any of these warning signs: cramping, rapid pulse, heavy sweating, hot red skin, dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting. 
  • Take it easy. Anyone working or exercising outdoors should avoid overexertion, especially between the hours of 11 am and 6 pm. Take hourly breaks in the shade or in air conditioning. 

According to the National Weather Service heat waves have caused more deaths in the last ten years than any other weather hazard, including tornadoes, hurricanes, and flooding.

Symptoms of Heat Illness

Symptoms of a serious heat illness include:

  • Confusion
  • Cramps
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Heavy Sweating
  • Hot Red Skin
  • Nausea
  • Rapid Pulse
  • Vomiting

Heat Illness Treatment

Treatment of a heat illness should include:

  • Getting the Victim out of the Heat
  • Giving Victims Sips of Cool Water
  • Placing Cool Wet Cloths or Ice Packs on the Victim's Body (Especially Around the Neck and Under the Arms)
  • Seeking Medical Attention

Excessive Heat & Children/Pets

Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.  Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach over 140°F within minutes. Exposure to such high temperatures can kill in minutes.  When left in a hot vehicle, a young child's core body temperature can increase three to five times faster than that of an adult, causing permanent injury or even death.  Visit NWS Office of Climate, Water & Weather Services for more details.

Additional Information

Information courtesy of National Weather Service