Long, Hot Days

Extreme heat often results in the highest annual number of deaths among all weather-related disasters. Know the signs and ways to treat heat-related illness.

Heat Cramps

Signs: Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms, or legs.

Actions: Go to a cooler location.Remove excess clothing. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if cramps last more than an hour.

Heat Exhaustion

Signs: Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, and fainting.

Actions: Go to an air-conditioned place (the Senior Center is one cooling center in town) and lie down. Loosen or remove clothing. Take a cool bath. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.

Heat Stroke

Signs: Extremely high body temperature (above 103˚) indicated by an oral thermometer; red, hot, and dry skin with no sweat; rapid, strong pulse; dizziness; confusion; and unconsciousness.

Actions: Call 9-1-1 or get the person to a hospital immediately. Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives.

FEMA offers this information sheet on staying safe in extreme heat.

Also this timely reminder: pets can’t show these signs, so they may be suffering when they look fine. Don’t leave them in your car!