Extreme Heat Safety Tips

1. Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces as much as possible, and limit exposure to the sun.

2. Make sure your home is insulated and that you have weather stripping around your doors and windowsills to keep cool air inside.

3. Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take extreme breaks.

4. Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Protect your face and head with wide-brimmed hats.

5. Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.

6. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion symptoms are heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale and clammy skin, a thready pulse, and possible fainting and vomiting. Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency that occurs when the body temperature reaches 106° F or higher. Symptoms include hot dry skin, rapid and strong pulse, and possible unconsciousness. Summon immediate medical assistance.

7. Check on elderly neighbors and friends and family who do not have air conditioning.

8. Make sure pets have plenty of water and shade. Avoid over-exercising them, and keep them indoors when it's extremely hot.

9. Drink plenty of fluids and replace salts and minerals in your body. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose from sweating.

10. Closely monitor a local radio station, TV station or NOAA Weather Radio for the latest information on excessive heat watches and warnings.

You can find this information and more at www.ready.ga.gov. The website offers an interactive preparedness tool to create custom checklists of emergency supplies and tailored family communications plans for dealing with extreme weather.

For preparedness on the go, you can also download Ready Georgia's mobile app.