EXTREME HEAT ALERT
Know the signs and symptoms of heat stroke. They include:
Body temperature greater than or equal to 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Skin that is hot and dry with red spots.
- Mental confusion.
- Loss of consciousness
- Convulsions
Note: If you are experiencing these symptoms, dial 911 or visit a hospital emergency room.
Be Prepared for the Extreme Heat Conditions:
- Have the phone number of your family doctor clearly posted next to your phone (and stored in your cellular phone).
- Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him/her 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. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they 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 movies, shopping mall, public library, or a friend’s house/apartment with air conditioning–even a few hours spent in an air conditioned environment can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat .(See listing of designated cooling centers below)
- Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, 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 any person or pet in a closed, parked vehicle.
- 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 need much more frequent watching.
- If you must be out in the heat, limit your outdoor activity to early morning and evening hours. Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Warning: If you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage.
- Try to rest often in shady areas.
- Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels).
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
Keep Pets Safe and Cool During Heat Waves
Never leave your pets in a parked car – On a warm day, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. On an 85 degree day, for example, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees. Your pet may suffer irreversible organ damage or die. If you see an animal in distress in a parked car, contact the nearest animal shelter or police.
Limit exercise on hot days – If your pet gets overheated, spray him with cool water, when possible. If you are outdoors, buy a bottle of water an slowly pour it over your pet to aid in the cooling process. Avoid taking pets outdoors at the hottest times of the day, try to keep pets in an air-conditioned environment, limit activity and provide lots of cool water during periods of extreme heat.
Recognize the signs of heatstroke – Some signs of heatstroke are heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, restlessness, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, and
unconsciousness. If the animal shows symptoms of heatstroke, take steps immediately to gradually lower her body temperature and contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Many pet owners enjoy bringing their dogs with them for a day at the beach on beautiful coastal Connecticut. Always make sure there is plenty of shade areas available and never keep your best friend out in the sun too long.
Take care and stay cool!