Take heat seriously and stay safe
With an excessive heat warning in place for the entire region through at least Friday, June 21, it’s important to take precautions to stay safe.
An excessive heat warning, like the one currently in effect, means more than just high temperatures. They are issued when unusually hot weather combines with high humidity, causing potentially life-threatening conditions.
The most dangerous conditions are heat exhaustion and heat stroke, so it’s important to be aware of the warning signs. People suffering from heat exhaustion might sweat heavily; have pale, cold and clammy skin; be nauseated; have a fast, weak pulse; or feel dizzy, among other symptoms.
If you think you or someone else has heat exhaustion, move to a cool, shady area, loosen any tight clothing and sip cool water. Vomiting, confusion or symptoms that last more than an hour are all signs to seek medical attention.
While heat exhaustion is dangerous, heat stroke is deadly. Signs include a fast, strong pulse, a temperature of more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit, confusion, nausea and loss of consciousness.
If you or someone else shows signs of heat stroke, call 911 right away and move to a cooler location. Use cool cloths or a fan to cool down while waiting for help, but drinking water isn’t recommended.
There are a number of precautions you can take to avoid heat-related illness. The most effective is also likely the most obvious — stay in a cool place, preferably one that’s air-conditioned.
If you have to be outside or don’t have access to air conditioning, wear loosefitting clothing and stay out of the sun as much as possible.
Extreme heat is particularly hard on children, the elderly and those with chronic health problems. It’s important to check on friends and family during a heat wave and make sure they’re safe and healthy.
Thousands of people in the U.S. died last year because of extreme heat. Taking precautions when there is a heat wave could literally save lives.
— JK
