With temperatures expected to be in the mid-to-upper 90’s – again – over the next several days, it’s important to be prepared to deal with hot weather and to be aware of the warning signs associated with overheating – including dizziness, extreme sweating, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting – and what to do should you or experience these symptoms.

Heat Index Values are expected to be around 105 every afternoon through this Thursday so remember to:

• Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
• Don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar, as these actually cause you to lose more body fluid.  Also, avoid extremely cold drinks – because they can cause stomach cramps.
• If at all possible stay in an air-conditioned place; however if your home doesn’t have air conditioning, you can go to a nearby 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.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• NEVER leave anyone – including your pets – 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.  Frequently check on:
  • Infants and young children
  • People aged 65 or older
  • People who have a mental illness
  • Those who may have physical ailments especially heart disease or high blood pressure

If you must be out in the heat:

• Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
• Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, non-alcoholic fluids each hour.  A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.
• Try to rest often in shady areas.
• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses – and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on the label).