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Red Cross Issues Heat Safety Tips as Temperatures Climb
Miami Valley, Ohio July 19, 2020 — It’s hot out there and the soaring
temperatures can be dangerous. The American Red Cross has steps people
can follow to help stay safe when it’s hot outside.
NEVER LEAVE CHILDREN OR PETS IN YOUR VEHICLE. The inside temperature of
the car can quickly reach 120 degrees. Other heat safety steps include:
Stay hydrated, drink plenty of fluids. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
Avoid extreme temperature changes.
Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing
Slow down, stay indoors. Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat. Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
Call 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.
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.
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 IS 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.
DON’T FORGET YOUR PETS Check on animals frequently to ensure that they
are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of shade
and cool water.
Animals can suffer heat stroke, a common problem for pets in the warmer
weather. Some of the signs of heat stroke in your pet are:
Heavy panting and unable to calm down, even when lying down.
Brick red gum color
Fast pulse rate
Unable to get up
“Take the opportunity to learn more about what you can do to help”,
stated Lynne Gump, Executive Director of the Miami Valley Red Cross,
“We have several resources for people to learn how to treat heat
emergencies including online and in-person training, a free First Aid
App and Pet First App and a First Aid Skill for Amazon Alexa-enabled
devices.”
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