The National Weather Service is urging the practice of heat safety wherever you are, and emphasizes heat-related deaths are preventable.
“On the job, stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade as much as possible,” according to the National Weather Service. “Check up on the elderly, sick, and those without A/C. Never leave kids or pets unattended in vehicles – look before you lock.”
The NWS also recommends to limit time outdoors during the heat of the day, find shade, and to stay hydrated.
“Remember that concrete gets extremely hot and can burn pet paw pads,” according to NWS. ”If you can’t walk on it barefoot, neither can your pet!”
Knowing the symptoms of excessive heat exposure and appropriate responses is also important.
“Heat cramps may be the first sign of heat-related illness, and may lead to heat exhaustion or stroke,” according to NWS.
Heat-related symptoms include:
- Painful muscle cramps and spasms usually in legs and abdomen and Heavy sweating.
First Aid:
- Apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gently massage to relieve spasm.
- Give sips of water unless the person complains of nausea, then stop giving water.
- Seek immediate medical attention if cramps last longer than 1 hour.
Heat Exhaustion Symptoms:
- Heavy sweating
- Weakness or tiredness
- cool, pale, clammy skin;
- fast, weak pulse,
- muscle cramps,
- dizziness,
- nausea or vomiting,
- headache,
- fainting.
Heat Stroke Symptoms:
- Throbbing headache
- confusion
- nausea
- dizziness
- body temperature above 103°F
- hot, red, dry or damp skin
- rapid and strong pulse
- fainting
- loss of consciousness.
Call 911 or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Delay can be fatal. Move the victim to a cooler, preferably air-conditioned, environment. Reduce body temperature with cool cloths or bath.
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