Tips on dealing with the heat

During the current heat wave, the Office of the Fire Commissioner recommends that people take certain precautions. Some people are more susceptible to serious and potentially dangerous
heatstroke. Children, elderly people, people with some medical conditions or who are using some medications may be more vulnerable.

The body may eventually acclimatize to the heat, but if you have a chronic condition, talk to your physician about extra precautions you can take to protect yourself against heat stroke.

The best defense is prevention. Here are some prevention tips:

• Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic). Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
• Don’t drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar–these
  actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Very cold drinks can cause stomach cramps.
• Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library - even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.
  Call your local health department to see if there are any heat-relief shelters in your area.
• Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is over 35°C (over 90°F), fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
• Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others.
  Check regularly on:
  • infants and young children
  • people aged 65 or older
  • people who have a mental illness
  • those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure.
  • Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course, need much more frequent watching.

If you must be out in the heat:

• Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.

• Cut down on exercise. Try to rest often in shady areas

• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.

Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke:
The following are the most common symptoms of dehydration, although each individual may experience symptoms differently.

Symptoms may include:

• thirst
• less-frequent urination
• dry skin
• fatigue
• light-headedness
• dizziness
• confusion
• dry mouth and mucous membranes
• increased heart rate and breathing.

In children, additional symptoms may include:

• dry mouth and tongue
• no tears when crying
• no wet diapers for more than 3 hours
• sunken abdomen, eyes or cheeks
• high fever
• listlessness
• irritability
• skin that does not flatten when pinched and released.