7 Heat Safety Tips for Scorching Temperatures

Skip alcohol and go for water or a sports drink. Stay in the AC. They're familiar tips that it's time to put into practice.

The American Red Cross shares a reminder on precautions to take against heat-related incidents.

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Do's and Don'ts in Dangerous Heat:

• Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's energy. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.
• Drink water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• 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 basic first aid and CPR.

Everyone is at risk when temperatures rise above 90 degrees but the elderly and children are most susceptible to heat and heat-related illnesses. Heat-related illnesses can cause serious injury and even death if not treated.

Heat Stress

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 9-1-1 immediately.

Safety Tips for Weathering Heat and Humidity:

· Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

· NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.

Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on:

· Infants and young children

· People aged 65 or older

· People who have a mental illness

· Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure

· Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

· Infants and young children, of course, need much more frequent watching.