Early Season Hot Spell
Brings
Risk of Heat Related Illnesses
For
Immediate Release: May 15, 2008
Contact: Howard
Sutter (714) 834-2178
(Santa Ana) -
The National
Weather Service is predicting near record high temperatures for
some areas of Orange County over the next several days and area
residents are urged to take precautions to prevent heat related
illnesses.
“The current
forecast calls for hotter than average high temperatures
extending through the weekend,” said Dr. Eric Handler, County
Health Officer. “Everyone should take precautions to stay cool
and drink plenty of water and other non-alcoholic fluids to
prevent serious heat related illnesses. Additional precautions
are especially needed for older adults, those with preexisting
medical conditions like heart or lung disease, those with
disabilities, children, and those who may be working outdoors.
Remember that your pets need extra water and shade, too.”
Prolonged
exposure to excessive temperatures may cause serious conditions
like heat exhaustion or heat stroke and can even be fatal.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion may include heavy sweating, muscle
cramps, weakness, headache, nausea or vomiting and dizziness.
Warning signs of heat stroke may include an extremely high body
temperature, unconsciousness, confusion, hot and dry skin (no
sweating), a rapid, strong pulse, and a throbbing headache. If
symptoms of heat stroke occur, immediately call for medical
assistance. Move the person to a shady area and begin cooling
their body with water.
Recommended
precautions to prevent heat related illnesses include:
·
Staying cool
indoors.
Use your air conditioner to cool your home. If you don’t have
air conditioning, visit public facilities such as shopping
malls, community centers or libraries to stay cool. Do not rely
on electric fans as your primary cooling device during a heat
wave. When the temperature is in the high 90’s or higher, a fan
will not prevent heat-related illness. A cool shower or bath is
a more effective way to cool off.
·
Drinking more
fluids, especially water.
Don’t wait until you are thirsty.
·
Checking often
on those at high-risk.
This includes older adults, those with chronic medical
conditions, people with disabilities, those who take certain
medications and children. Make sure their air conditioner is
turned on, or offer to take them to a cooler place.
If you have to
be outside in the heat, follow these recommendations:
·
Wear light, loose-fitting clothing and a hat to provide shade
from the sun. Use sunscreen.
·
Avoid over-exertion and schedule outdoor activities for the
cooler part of the day. Spend as much time as possible in the
shade.
·
Never leave a person or pet unattended in a closed car or other
vehicle.
For more
information on heat related illnesses, visit the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention website at
www.cdc.gov.
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