Local health departments are reminding people to take steps to stay cool during the upcoming heat wave.
High temperatures are expected in the next couple of days.
Health departments recommend people follow these tips to stay safe:
- Stay in air conditioning. When possible, stay in air conditioning on hot days. If you don’t have air conditioning, head to libraries, malls, and other public spaces to keep cool.
- Check on loved ones. Be sure to check on older friends and neighbors who live alone and don’t have air conditioning.
- Avoid the hottest part of the day. If you have to be outside, stick to the cooler morning and evening hours. Wear light, loose clothing and take frequent, air conditioned breaks.
- Beware of hot cars. Never leave a person or a pet in a parked car, even for a short time. On an 80 degree day, the temperature inside a car can reach 100 degrees in less than 10 minutes.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water on hot days. Avoid alcohol and hot, heavy meals.
- Stay informed. Watch your local weather forecasts so you can plan outdoor activities safely. Pay attention to any extreme heat alerts.
- Keep your pets cool. Be sure to give your pets plenty of fresh, clean water. Make sure they have a shady place to get out of the sun, or bring them indoors.
If you start feeling overheated, weak, dizzy, nauseated, or have muscle cramps, you could be experiencing heat illness. Move to air conditioning, drink water, get under a fan, and put cool washcloths on your neck or forehead. If your symptoms worsen or don’t improve, go to the emergency room or call 911.
