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 “It’s important for everyone to realize that warm weather can be
dangerous,” said Lyn Hruska, Chief Executive Officer, American Red
Cross Central and Southern Illinois Region. “The Red Cross has steps
you can follow to make sure you and your loved ones are protected
when hot weather hits your area.”
HEAT SAFETY TIPS
Some people are more at risk of developing a heat-related illness,
including adults age 65 and older, those with chronic medical
conditions, people who work outside, infants and children and
athletes.
Here are steps you should take in hot weather:
Hot cars can be deadly. Never leave children or pets in your
vehicle. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120
degrees.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid drinks with
caffeine or alcohol.
Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air
conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more
likely to be affected by the heat.
If someone doesn’t have air conditioning, they should seek relief
from the heat during the warmest part of the day in places like
schools, libraries, theaters, malls, etc.
Avoid extreme temperature changes.
Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark
colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the
hottest part of the day.
Postpone outdoor games and activities.
Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat. Take frequent
breaks if working outdoors.
Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not
suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water.
HEAT EXHAUSTION
Excessive heat can lead to sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and
heat stroke. If someone is experiencing heat cramps in the legs or
abdomen, get them to a cooler place, have them rest, lightly stretch
the affected muscle, and replenish their fluids with a half a glass
(about 4 ounces) of cool water every 15 minutes.
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If someone is exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion (cool, moist, pale
or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness,
weakness, exhaustion), move them to a cooler place, remove or loosen
tight clothing and spray the person with water or apply cool, wet
cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If they are conscious,
give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure the person
drinks slowly. Watch for changes in condition. If the person refuses
water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1.
HEAT STROKE LIFE-THREATENING
Signs include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in
consciousness; vomiting and high body temperature. Call 9-1-1
immediately if someone shows signs of heat stroke. Move the person
to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person’s body by immersing them
up to their neck in cold water if possible. Otherwise, douse or
spray the person with cold water, or cover the person with cold, wet
towels or bags of ice.
DOWNLOAD RED CROSS APPS
The Red Cross app “Emergency” can help keep you and your loved
ones safe by putting vital information in your hand and settings for
more than 35 different severe weather and emergency alerts including
heat advisories and excessive heat warnings. The Red Cross First Aid
App puts instant access to information on handling the most common
first aid emergencies at your fingertips including heat-related
emergencies. Download these apps by searching for ‘American Red
Cross’ in your app store or at redcross.org/apps.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional
support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the
nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides
international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and
their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that
depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to
perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org
or cruzrojaamericana.org,
[Trish Burnett, Regional Communications
Director] |
