Full Notification

The KDPH & GCEM is urging the public to take precautions to avoid injury and illness during this period of extreme heat


* Drink plenty of fluids. Increase your daily fluid intake regardless of
your activity level. You will need to drink more fluids than your thirst
level indicates. This is especially true for people age 65 or older who often have a decreased ability to respond to external temperature changes. In addition, avoid drinking beverages containing alcohol because they will actually cause you to lose more fluid.
* Wear proper clothing and sunscreen. Choose lightweight, light colored, loose fitting clothing. In the hot sun, wear a wide-brimmed hat that will provide shade and keep the head cool. Sunscreen should be SPF 15 or greater and applied 30 minutes before going out into the sun.
* Stay cool indoors. The best way to stay cool is in an air-conditioned area. If you do not have an air conditioner, consider visiting a mall or public library. Check with local authorities for local cooling stations that may be available in your area.
* Don’t leave children or pets inside a vehicle. Lock all unattended
vehicles so children can’t enter them. Immediately dial 911 if you see an unattended child in a car.
* Schedule outdoor activities carefully. If you must be out in the heat,
plan your activities so that you are outdoors either before noon or in the
evening. Rest periodically so your body’s thermostat will have a chance to
recover.
* Use a buddy system. When working in the heat, monitor the condition of
your co-workers and have someone do the same for you. Heat-induced illness
can cause a person to become confused or lose consciousness.
* Monitor those at high risk. Those at greatest risk of heat-related
illness include infants and children up to 4 years of age, people 65 years of
age or older, those who are ill or on certain medications for blood pressure
or diuretics, overweight individuals and those who overexert during work or
exercise.


Signs of heat-related illnesses include a very high body temperature (above
103°F); red, hot and dry skin (no sweating); rapid, strong pulse; throbbing
headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; muscle cramps; tiredness and
unconsciousness. If someone starts to experience these symptoms, seek medical
help immediately and move them to a shady spot. If outdoors, begin cooling
them using whatever methods are available. Monitor body temperature, and
continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102°F.

The Spanish version will be sent out tomorrow when translation is complete