Pittsburgh Heat Wave: How To Stay Safe During Dangerously Hot Weather

PITTSBURGH, PA — State officials are offering tips on how to stay safe during the upcoming heat wave that is expected to grip all of Pennsylvania during the next several days. Temperatures locally are anticipated to be in the mid- to upper-90s by Friday.

Take the tips seriously or the heat could prove fatal.

“According to the National Weather Service, heat is the most prevalent weather-related cause of death in the United States,” Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency director Randy Padfield said.

“It’s especially dangerous for children and older adults, those working outdoors, and urban areas where heat can build up due to asphalt and concrete and nighttime cooling is minimal."

What are the risks? Heat cramps are painful muscle cramps and spasms that occur during or after exercise and sweating in high heat. Treatment at this stage includes:

• Moving to a cool place and rest.
• Removing excess clothing.
• Placing cool clothes on skin.
• Fanning the skin.
• Drinking cool sports drinks with sugar and salt.
• Stretching cramped muscles slowly and gently.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, fainting, and nausea or vomiting. Help the person cool off as with heat cramps and seek medical attention if symptoms are severe, or if symptoms last more than one hour, or the person has heart problems or high blood pressure.

Symptoms of heat stroke include a high body temperature above 103 degrees; red, hot and dry skin, but no sweating; a rapid pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion and unconsciousness.

If you think someone is having a heat stroke, call 911. After calling for help, get the person to a shady area and quickly cool them down by putting them in a tub of cool water or spraying them with a garden hose. Provide fluids in the form of cold sports drink only if the person is alert and can drink.