Hot Weather Tips: How To Stay Safe In Rhode Island

Extreme heat has arrived in Rhode Island, with temperatures soaring into the 90s and humidity bringing the heat index to 100 degrees or more in many parts of the state.

High temperatures can quickly become dangerous, and can cause dehydration, heat stroke or exhaustion, sun burns and more. Here are some ways to stay safe during the heat wave, from the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency.

It's important to stay hydrated during extreme heat, to avoid dehydration and heat-related illness. Drink plenty of cool water and avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.

Stay indoors as much as possible, ideally in an air-conditioned setting. If you must be outdoors, try to limit time outside during the hottest hours of the day, and wear sunscreen, a hat and other loose-fitting, protective clothing. Stay in the shade as much as possible.

Children, pets and the elderly are at the most risk. Never leave a child or pet unattended in a vehicle, which can heat up to lethal temperatures very quickly. Check on elderly family members and neighbors. When bringing your pet outside, make sure the sidewalk is not too hot — if it's too hot for bare feet, it's likely too hot for paws.

Energy Efficiency

National Grid encouraged Rhode Islanders to take steps to make their homes more energy efficient in hot weather, especially when running air conditioning.

• Keep doors and windows. tightly closed to prevent air loss
• Clear furniture and other items away from air vent to allow for clear air flow
• Close blinds or drapes during the day to keep rooms cooler
• Avoid heating up the oven when possible by using a toaster oven or microwave for small meals
• Use a programmable thermostat to adjust room temperatures when no one is home
• Upgrade older air conditioning units to newer, more energy-efficient models

Know the signs of heat-related illness, and what to do if you or someone else experiences them.

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps are muscle pains and spasms caused by heavy exertion. Heat cramps are the mildest
form of heat‐related illness. They are usually the first sign that your body is having trouble keeping cool during the heat.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion usually occurs when you work or exercise in a hot, humid place and your body is
dehydrated from lots of sweating. During heat exhaustion, blood flow to your skin increases, but it
decreases the blood flow to your vital organs. Heat exhaustion causes mild shock, and if it is not
treated, your body temperature keeps going up and could cause heat stroke.

Symptoms: Heavy sweating (even though skin may be cool, pale, or flushed); weak pulse;
fainting; dizziness; nausea; vomiting; exhaustion; headache.

Treatment:

1. Lie down in a cool place.
2. Loosen or remove clothing.
3. Put cool, wet clothes on your body.
4. If possible, go to an air-conditioned place.
5. Take slow sips of cool water (about half a glass every 15 minutes). Do not drink water if
you feel nauseous.
6. If you start vomiting, get medical help immediately

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency. Your body can no longer stay cool, and your
temperature will keep getting higher. High body temperature can cause brain damage or death.

Symptoms: Temperature of 105 degrees or higher; hot, red, dry skin; rapid, weak pulse rapid, shallow breathing; no sweating, sometimes unconscious.

Treatment:
1. Call 911 immediately.
2. Move person to a cooler place.
3. Remove the person’s clothing.
4. Try using a cool (not cold) bath or wet cloth to lower the body temperature.
5. Use a fan or air conditioner to help lower the body temperature.

Sunburn

Sunburn is a burn to skin caused by too much sun.

Symptoms: Skin redness and pain; swelling; blisters; fever; headache.

Treatment:

1. Take a cool shower and use soap to clean any oil or dirt from clogged pores. Unclogged
pores will help your body cool down.
2. Apply sterile dressings to any blisters and see a doctor.