Everyone is susceptible to the effects of high heat, but it is particularly dangerous for:
- People over the age of 65.
- Those with diabetes, heart, and respiratory problems.
- Individuals with high blood pressure.
- The obese.
- People with mental and physical disabilities.
- Infants and small children.
- Those who work outdoors.
- Those with substance addictions.
- Those who live in urban areas where there is more asphalt and cement that retains heat.
Some medications, such as antibiotics and those prescribed for skin conditions, can cause normally healthy individuals to be more susceptible to the heat, also.
Never leave children or pets in a car even with the windows open. Dangerous temperatures can be reached in 15 minutes even when the outside temperature is only 83oF.
Ways to beat the heat:
- Avoid or reduce strenuous outdoor activity. If necessary, do it during the coolest part of the day, usually 4 am to 7 am. If outdoor activity is necessary, have someone with you and take frequent breaks drinking 16 to 32 ounces of water every hour.
- When outside, wear a hat or use an umbrella.
- Wear lightweight, loose fitting, light colored clothing. Light colors reflect some of the sun’s energy.
- Drink plenty of water even if you aren’t thirsty.
- Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine. They can increase the effects of the heat or dehydrate the body.
- Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high protein foods, as they increase your body heat.
- Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine. If possible, go to a place with air conditioning for a few hours each day. Fans do not cool the air, but they do help cool your body. Fans should never be used without air conditioning when the room temperature is above 90 degrees and the humidity is over 35 percent. When hot, humid air is forced through a fan onto your body, it makes you even hotter, sometimes hot enough to result in death.
- Check animals frequently to make sure they have the water and shade they need.