Extended warm period ahead: Here are tips to help deal with heat, humidity

The extended period of warm weather we’re in has prompted Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County to remind you to take extra precautions.

Extremely high or unusually high temperatures can affect your health. The most vulnerable include the elderly, those who work or exercise outdoors, infants and children, the homeless and individuals who have a chronic medical condition.

PHDMC recommends that everyone pay particular attention to the following suggestions:

Stay cool

• Stay in air-conditioned buildings.
• Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device. Use air conditioning if available.
• Limit outdoor activity, especially midday during the hottest part of the day; avoid direct sunlight.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature.
• Adjust blinds, shades, and awnings to keep out the sun.
• Check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors at least twice a day.
• Children and pets should not be left unattended in closed vehicles. Temperatures can reach dangerous levels rapidly.

Stay hydrated

• Drink more water than usual; don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
• Drink two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
• Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
• Make sure your family, friends and neighbors are drinking enough water.

Stay informed

• Check your local news for extreme heat warnings and safety tips.
• Visit www.phdmc.org to find local information and tips for preventing heat sickness.
• Keep your friends, family and neighbors aware of weather and heat safety information.

Additionally, Public Health encourages all residents to learn the signs and first aid response for heat-related illness. Warning signs and symptoms vary but may include:

Heat Exhaustion. Symptoms:

• Heavy sweating
• Weakness
• Skin cold, pale, and clammy
• Weak pulse
• Fainting and vomiting

What You Should Do

• Move to a cooler location.
• Lie down and loosen your clothing.
• Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of your body as possible.
• Sip water.
• If you have vomited and it continues, seek medical attention immediately.

Heat Stroke. Symptoms:

• High body temperature (above 103°F)
• Hot, red, dry or moist skin
• Rapid and strong pulse
• Possible unconsciousness

What You Should Do

• Call 911 immediately; this is a medical emergency.
• Move the person to a cooler environment.
• Reduce the person’s body temperature with cool cloths or even a bath.
• Do NOT give fluids.

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