Red Cross Offers Safety Tips During Extreme Heat

With three straight days of over 90 degree temperatures predicted, the American Red Cross has released important tips on what to do in a heat wave to stay safe.

From the American Red Cross:

• Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol

• Avoid extreme temperature changes

• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays

• Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day

• Postpone outdoor games and activities

• Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat. Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors

• Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat

• Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat

Sports Safety:

• Get acclimated to the heat by reducing the intensity of your workouts or exercise until you are more accustomed to the heat

• Take frequent, longer breaks. Stop about every 20 minutes for fluids and try to stay in the shade

• Those in charge of student practices should reduce the amount of heavy equipment athletes wear in extremely hot weather

• Dress athletes in net-type jerseys or light-weight, light-colored cotton tee shirts and shorts

• Know the signs of heat-related emergencies and monitor athletes closely

• Athletes should inform those in charge if they are not feeling well

HEAT EXHAUSTION:

If someone is experiencing heat cramps in the legs or abdomen, get them to a cooler place, have them rest, lightly stretch the affected muscle, and replenish their fluids with a half a glass (about 4 ounces) of cool water every 15 minutes.

If someone is exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion (cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness exhaustion), move them to a cooler place, remove or loosen tight clothing and spray the person with water or apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If they are conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in condition. If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1.

For more information on what to do when temperatures rise, people can visit http://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster.

Learn how to treat heat-related and other emergencies by taking First Aid and CPR/AED training online or in person. Go to http://www.redcross.org/take-a-class for information and to register.

Download the Red Cross Heat Wave Safety Checklist at http://www.redcross.org/images/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m4340158_HeatWave.pdf