It’s been a long, hot summer so far and we’re barely into July. In fact, 2023 was the hottest summer on record and 2024 is shaping up to beat it. This means that we need to be prepared to protect ourselves from the dangers of hot summer weather and TCHD wants to help you beat the summer heat.
This is Public Health is brought to you in partnership with the Tuscarawas County Health Department.
The National Safety Council (NSC) reminds us that while the human body is normally able to regulate its temperature through sweating, extreme heat can cause severe health risks. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can escalate rapidly, leading to delirium, organ damage and even death. In fact, the NSC reports that 201 people died and 67 were injured in the U.S. from weather related excessive heat, according to Injury Facts.
Because of this, it’s important to know how to prepare for extreme heat. Ready.gov advises that anyone living is areas experiencing extended periods of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days should do the following:
- Learn to recognize the signs of heat illness.
- Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort, but do not reduce body temperature or prevent heat-related illnesses.
- Identify places in your community where you can go to get cool such as libraries and shopping malls or contact your local health department to find a cooling center in your area.
- Cover windows with drapes or shades.
- Weather-strip doors and windows.
- Use window reflectors specifically designed to reflect heat back outside.
- Add insulation to keep the heat out.
- Use a powered attic ventilator, or attic fan, to regulate the heat level of a building’s attic by clearing out hot air.
- Install window air conditioners and insulate around them.
- If you are unable to afford your cooling costs, weatherization or energy-related home repairs, contact the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for help.
During periods of extreme heat, everyone should stay safe by following this advice:
- Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day.
- If air conditioning is not available in your home go to a cooling center.
- Take cool showers or baths.
- Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Use your oven less to help reduce the temperature in your home.
- If you’re outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Avoid high-energy activities or work outdoors, during midday heat, if possible.
- Check on family members, older adults and neighbors.
- Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Consider pet safety. If they are outside, make sure they have plenty of cool water and access to comfortable shade. Asphalt and dark pavement can be very hot to your pet’s feet.
Some people are more susceptible to the risks of extreme heat. This people include:
- Those who work in the heat
● Infants and young children, especially if left in hot cars
● People 65 and older
● People who are ill, have chronic health conditions or are on certain medications
● People who are overweight
It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses so that we can treat them effectively. According to the CDC, here’s what to look for and what to do:
Heat stroke
- High body temperature (103°F or higher)
- Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
- Fast, strong pulse
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Losing consciousness (passing out)
- Call 911 right away-heat stroke is a medical emergency
- Move the person to a cooler place
- Help lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath
- Do not give the person anything to drink
Heat exhaustion
- Heavy sweating
- Cold, pale, and clammy skin
- Fast, weak pulse
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Tiredness or weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fainting (passing out)
- Move to a cool place
- Loosen your clothes
- Put cool, wet cloths on your body or take a cool bath
- Sip water
- You are throwing up
- Your symptoms get worse
- Your symptoms last longer than 1 hour
Heat cramps
- Heavy sweating during intense exercise
- Muscle pain or spasms
- Stop physical activity and move to a cool place
- Drink water or a sports drink
- Wait for cramps to go away before you do any more physical activity
- Cramps last longer than 1 hour
- You’re on a low-sodium diet
- You have heart problems
Sunburn
- Painful, red, and warm skin
- Blisters on the skin
- Stay out of the sun until your sunburn heals
- Put cool cloths on sunburned areas or take a cool bath
- Put moisturizing lotion on sunburned areas
- Do not break blisters
Heat rash
- Red clusters of small blisters that look like pimples on the skin (usually on the neck, chest, groin, or in elbow creases)
- Stay in a cool, dry place
- Keep the rash dry
- Use powder (like baby powder) to soothe the rash
Seek emergency care for any serious heat-related illnesses. If you need a medical provider for routine medical care, they can call the Tuscarawas County Health Department at (330) 343-5555, ext. 1810 to make an appointment. New patients 12 and older are welcome. Most insurances accepted, including Medicare and Medicaid. Sliding fee scale discounts available for those who qualify.
