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Heat Safety Awareness (Extreme Heat & Your Health)

How to Prevent, Recognize, and Treat Heat Related Illness:

Heat Stroke (Sunstroke)
What it is:
a substantial rise in body temperature when the body cannot rid itself of excess heat

What to look for:
skin very hot and dry (usually no sweat)
very rapid onset
dizziness, nausea, confusion, often unconsciousness

What to do:
move the person to a cool area
lower body temperature AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE
immerse in or pour cool water over the person
SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY - HEAT STROKE CAN BE FATAL

Heat Exhaustion
What it is:
a mild form of shock from excess exposure to heat

What to look for:
pale and clammy skin, profuse sweating
body temperature close to normal
headache, dizziness, fatigue, sometimes abdominal cramps

What to do:
move the person to a cool area
make the person as cool as possible while preventing a chill (watch for shivering)
if the person is conscious, give cool water to drink
seek medical attention as quickly as possible

Heat Syncope
What it is:
loss of consciousness because of decreased blood flow to the heart and brain as the blood pools in the extremities

What to look for:
sudden loss of consciousness
person suddenly regains consciousness when lying down

What to do:
allow person to rest
remove the person from the environment or activity which caused the person to lose consciousness

Heat Cramps
What it is:
painful muscle cramps resulting from profuse perspiration

What to look for:
mild to severe cramps in the arms, legs, and/or abdomen from working in a hot environment OR drinking iced drinks very quickly or in too large quantities
pale, moist skin with heavy sweating
occasional nausea or faintness

What to do:
move the person to a cool area
do not massage muscles
if not nauseated, slowly give one or two glasses of a sport drink
do not resume the activity which caused the cramps for at least 12 hours or the cramps may return

General Tips to Prevent Heat-Related Illness
Spend whatever time possible in air conditioned areas, even if only a few hours each day.

Ensure adequate food (light meals) and fluid intake. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, and see your doctor about whether you need additional salt.

Whenever possible, reduce activity levels in very hot weather.

Because the elderly are particularly susceptible to the effects of heat, they or their caretakers should make a special effort to follow these guidelines.

Because young children under five years of age, and especially under one year, are also sensitive to heat's effects, parents and caretakers should be careful not to overdress them, and to give them plenty of fluids.

Wear a hat when outdoors

Exercise early or late in the day

Remember, some pets can be affected by the heat. Ask your veterinarian for advice.

In cases of health emergencies, you should call your doctor, or visit your local hospital emergency room.

For more information on the harmful effects of heat, contact your doctor
Information From: New Jersey Department of Health