Safety First
Heat safety is important no matter who you are, but
the following groups should be extra cautious when the temperature rises: older
adults (65+), infants
& children, those with chronic
conditions, those in low
income areas, athletes,
those who work
outdoors,
and our pets!
Learn the signs
and symptoms of heat-related illness and check your
local news for extreme heat alerts.
-
Drink plenty of fluids before you are thirsty, no matter how active you are. As you sweat you will need to replenish the fluids your body has lost.
-
Avoid alcoholic beverages or those high in sugar as they will cause you to lose more body fluid.
-
Don’t forget about your pets! Make sure they have plenty of water, and leave it in a shady area to encourage them to take a break from the sun.
Beat the Heat
- Stay in air-conditioned areas as much as possible. Going stir crazy? Check out what’s happening at your public library or do some window shopping at the mall.
- Avoid hot and heavy meals. They add unnecessary heat to our bodies - not to mention the heat ovens and stoves give off!
- Limit outdoor activities to the times of the day that are typically cooler (i.e. early morning or evening).
- Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher before heading outside. Sunburns affect the body’s ability to cool itself down. “Broad Spectrum” sunscreens or those marked “UVA/UVB” work best.
- Choose lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing.
#CheckForBaby
NEVER
leave infants, children or pets inside a parked car! Even with the windows
cracked a car will quickly heat
up
to dangerous temperatures. Remember to #checkforbaby!
- Leave one of your shoes in the back seat with baby. When you get out of the car you won’t get far before you realize you are missing a shoe!
- Leave a stuffed animal in the car seat. When you put baby in move it to the front seat where it is visible.
- Leave an item you won’t forget, such as your purse, wallet or cell phone in the back seat.
Wishing you and your family (both the two and four
legged variety) a fun, memorable and safe
summer!
Molly Flynn, Senior Public Health Educator
Division of Health Planning and Promotion
