Burlington County Gives Tips On Staying Cool In Extreme Heat

As temperatures continue to climb, Burlington County officials are cautioning residents on how to stay cool in extreme heat.

“Extreme heat causes more than 600 deaths each year,” officials said. “Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable, yet many people still die of extreme heat every year. Take measures to stay cool, remain hydrated, and keep informed. Getting too hot can make you sick. You can become ill from the heat if your body can’t compensate for it and properly cool you off.”

The main things affecting the body’s ability to keep itself cool in extreme heat are high humidity and personal factors, officials said. When the humidity is high, sweat won’t evaporate as quickly, which keeps the body from releasing heat as fast as it may need to, officials said.

Age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and prescription drug and alcohol use can all play a role in whether a person can cool off enough in very hot weather, officials said.

Those who are at the highest risk include people 65 and older, children younger than two, and people with chronic diseases or mental illness. These people should be closely monitored, making sure they drink enough water and have access to air conditioning and asking if they need help keeping cool.

People at greatest risk for heat-related illness can take the following steps to prevent illness or death:

• Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. Contact your local health department or locate an air-conditioned shelter in your area. Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death. If a home is not air-conditioned, people can reduce their risk for heat-related illness by spending time in public facilities that are air-conditioned, and using air conditioning in vehicles.
• Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device during an extreme heat event.
• Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
• Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.
• Don’t use the stove or oven to cook—it will make you and your house hotter.

Even young and healthy people can get sick from the heat if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather. They are advised to:

• Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when the sun is hottest.
• Wear and reapply sunscreen as indicated on the package.
• Pace activity. Start activities slow and pick up the pace gradually.
• Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more. Muscle cramping may be an early sign of heat-related illness.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

Anyone who plays a sport that practices during hot weather, they can protect themselves and their teammates by:

• Scheduling workouts and practices earlier or later in the day when the temperature is cooler.
• Monitor a teammate’s condition, and have someone do the same for you.
• Seek medical care immediately if you or a teammate has symptoms of heat-related illness.
• Learn more about how to protect young athletes from heat-related illness by taking this CDC course.

Drink plenty of fluids to prevent heat-related illnesses. Everyone should take these steps to prevent heat-related illnesses, injuries, and deaths during hot weather:

• Stay in an air-conditioned indoor location as much as possible.
• Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Schedule outdoor activities carefully.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and sunscreen.
• Pace yourself.
• Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
• Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.
• Never leave children or pets in cars.
• Check the local news for health and safety updates.

For more hot weather safety tips, visit the CDC’s Hot Weather webpage.