With the heat index forecasted to reach 100 degrees this week, the Florida Department of Health has provided the public the following tips to prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Stay Hydrated – Drink more water than usual. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty!
- Those at high risk for heat-related illness – the very young and very old and people with chronic medical conditions – should stay in an air-conditioned environment. If you don’t have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library.
- If you need to work outside, take frequent breaks. Stay cool. Pace yourself while working or exercising in hot weather.
- Do not leave children or pets in parked cars, even if the windows are cracked open. Cars can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures.
- Protect you skin. Use sunscreen with a SPF 15 or higher.
- Cover up with a wide-brimmed hat. Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing.
- Leave your pets plenty of water in shady areas.
- Check your local news for extreme heat alerts and safety tips.
Citizens are encouraged to be good neighbors and check up on elderly or shut-in neighbors, transporting those with signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke to an air-conditioned location. In the event of an emergency, dial 911 immediately.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, extreme weakness or fatigue, dizziness/confusion, nausea, clammy/moist skin, pale or flushed complexion, muscle cramps, slightly elevated body temperature and fast/shallow breathing. Symptoms of heat stroke include extremely high body temperature above 106ºF, hot and dry skin, profuse sweating, hallucinations, chills, throbbing headache, confusion/dizziness and/or slurred speech.