Summer is the season we all look forward to – cookouts, swimming pools, playing sports or just hanging out on the back deck. But summer sun can also get a little sweltering sometimes. Extreme heat can pose a danger and cause serious health issues. Here are some tips to help protect yourself and your family as you enjoy the sunshine.
To maintain a comfortable environment indoors when the outside temps rise:
- Install central air conditioning (AC) or window air conditioners.
- Check AC ducts for proper insulation.
- Weather-strip doors and windows to keep cool air inside.
- Use shades and awnings to keep extreme heat outside.
- Keep storm windows up all year.
- Install temporary window reflectors to reflect the heat back outside.
When the thermometer begins to skyrocket beyond what’s comfortable:
- Stay indoors as much as possible, and limit sun exposure.
- If you don’t have AC, visit someplace that does – such as a library or shopping mall.
- If you need to work outdoors, do it in the early mornings or evenings. It’s summer, so luckily there’s still daylight after 8pm.
- Drink plenty of water and eat well-balanced, light and regular meals. And avoid alcohol.
- Dress in loose, lightweight and light-colored clothes.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and neck from the sun.
- Make sure pets have plenty of water and a cool place to rest.
- Keep an eye on older adults, young children and those who are sick or overweight. They’re the most likely to suffer heat-related illnesses
- Never leave children or pets in closed vehicles
If anyone around you shows signs of these heat-related medical issues:
Heat cramps occur with muscle pain and spasms, usually in the abdominal muscles or legs due to overuse.
- Have victim rest in comfortable position.
- Stretch the affected muscle lightly and replenish fluids.
- Give the victim half a glass of cool water every 15 minutes.
- Don’t give them drink that contain alcohol or caffeine. Water is best. Or juice.
Heat exhaustion is caused by overexertion in a hot place. Blood flow to vital organs is restricted, causing the victim to go into mild shock. If not treated, the victim may have heat stroke.
- Move the victim to a cooler place.
- Loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet towels or sheets.
- Have the victim slowly drink half a glass of water every 15 minutes. No liquids with alcohol or caffeine.
- Let the victim rest.
Heat stroke is a serious, life-threatening condition caused when the sweating function, which cools the body, starts breaking down. As a result, the body temperature can rise high enough to cause brain damage or death.
- Call 911 immediately (or your local emergency number).
- Move the victim to a cooler place.
- Put them in a cool bath or wrap them in wet sheets and fan their body.
- Monitor their breathing.
- If the victim is vomiting, fading in and out of consciousness or refusing water, don’t give them anything to eat or drink.
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