American Red Cross urges caution during the hottest days of summer
July 5, 2005
When the dog days of summer deliver hot temperatures and high humidity, the American Red Cross Athens County Chapter urges residents to take precautions against the heat.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 400 Americans die each year due to summer's sweltering heat.
Everyone is at risk when temperatures rise above 90 degrees, but the elderly and the very young are most susceptible to heat and heat-related illnesses. Heat-related illnesses can cause serious injury and even death if unattended. Signs of heat-related illnesses include nausea, dizziness, flushed or pale skin, heavy sweating and headaches.
Victims of heat-related illness should be moved to a cool place, given cool water to drink and ice packs or cool wet cloths should be applied to the skin. If a victim refuses water, vomits, or loses consciousness, call 911 immediately.
"Our primary goal is to mitigate emergencies by educating the community about how they can protect themselves and their families from heat-related illness," said Sarah Byron, Assistant Director for the Athens County Chapter.
Red Cross Heat Safety Tips:
* Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.
* Drink liquids. Drink water and juice continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.
* 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.
* Learn Red Cross first aid and CPR. "While the above tips can help prevent emergencies, if is crucial to know what to do if an emergency situation arises," Byron added.
Know What These Heat-Related Terms Mean:
* Heat Cramps: Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. Although heat cramps are the least severe, they are an early signal that the body is having trouble with the heat.
* Heat Exhaustion: Heat exhaustion typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. This results in a form of mild shock. If not treated, the victim may suffer heat stroke. Signals of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale flushed or red skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, and exhaustion. Body temperature will be near normal.
* Heat Stroke: Also known as sunstroke, heat stroke is life-threatening. Signals include hot, red and dry skin, changes in consciousness, rapid, weak pulse and rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperatures can be very high -- sometimes as high as 105 F.
General Care for Heat Emergencies
* Heat Cramps or Heat Exhaustion: 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. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply, cool wet cloths. Call 911 or the local emergency number if the person refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness.
* Heat Stroke: 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. Immerse victim in a cool bath or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. Watch for signals of breathing problems. 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 heat safety, contact the Athens County Chapter American Red Cross at 593-5273 or visit www.redcross.org.
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