Heat Advisory, Air Quality Alert Issued For Rhode Island

A heat advisory and air quality alert was issued statewide ahead of dangerously high temperatures Monday. Heat indices are expected to hit triple-digits in much of the region.

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management issued air quality alerts for both Sunday and Monday. Those with lung disease, the elderly and children are most at risk from ozone exposure and particles in the air. Rhode Islanders are encouraged to limit outdoor exercise and activity, especially during the afternoon.

Moderate ozone levels are expected to remain Tuesday and Wednesday, as high temperatures and humidity will continue.

To help reduce air pollution on air quality alert days, Rhode Islanders are encouraged to limit driving, carpool or use public transportation, fuel up vehicles after dark and don't top off, conserve energy as much as possible and avoid gas engine usage whenever possible.

Heat stroke and exhaustion are a concern on extreme heat days, the Rhode Island Department of Health recommended taking the following precautions:

• Drink more fluids than usual, and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more fluids. Water is your best option. Limit alcohol, drinks with caffeine, and drinks with high amounts of sugar.
• Check on friends and neighbors, particularly those who are caring for young children and older adults.
• Stay out of the sun. Find a shaded area where you can sit and relax, particularly during the hottest parts of the day.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Wear a hat if you are outside.
• Limit outdoor activities, especially at mid-day. If you exercise outdoors, move your workout to a morning or evening time, take it indoors to an air-conditioned environment, or try swimming, which is a great summer exercise. If you work outside, wear sunscreen (re-apply frequently), pace your activity, stay hydrated, and check on co-workers.
• Take cool showers or baths to cool down, particularly if you’re unable to be in an air-conditioned location.
• Avoid turning on your oven, if possible. It will make your house hotter.
• Never leave young children or pets in parked cars, even with the windows down.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale or clammy skin, a fast or weak pulse, nausea or vomiting and fainting. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should be moved to a cooler location, lie down, loosen clothing, sip water and apply cool, damp cloths to lower the body temperature. If symptoms worsen, persist or vomiting begins, seek medical attention.

Heat stroke can present with high body temperature above 103 degrees with red, hot, dry or moist skin, rapid and strong pulse, confusion and loss of consciousness. To treat, move the person to a cooler location, apply cool cloths or place in a cool bath to lower body temperature. Call 911 immediately.