Even
before summer begins, South Carolina is dealing with hot temperatures and high
humidity. According to the Centers for Disease
Control (CDC), more than 600 people in the United
States are killed by extreme heat every year. The Palmetto SC Region of the American
Red Cross has steps you can take to help stay safe when the temperatures soar.
“It’s important for everyone to realize that warm weather can be
dangerous,” said Louise Welch Williams, regional chief executive officer,
Palmetto SC Region. “The Red Cross urges everyone to follow the tips below, as
hot weather continues in the state for the next several days.”
Some people are more at risk of
developing a heat-related illness, including adults age 65 and older, those
with chronic medical conditions, people who work outside, infants and children
and athletes. Here are steps you should take in hot weather:
·
Hot
cars can be deadly. Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. The inside
temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees.
·
Stay
hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
·
Check
on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend
much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
·
If
someone doesn’t have air conditioning, they should seek relief from the heat
during the warmest part of the day in places like schools, libraries, theaters,
malls, etc.
·
Avoid
extreme temperature changes.
·
Wear
loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because
they absorb the sun’s rays.
·
Slow
down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the
day.
·
Postpone
outdoor games and activities.
·
Use
a buddy system when working in excessive heat. Take frequent breaks if working
outdoors.
·
Check
on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make
sure they have plenty of cool water.
HEAT STROKE
LIFE-THREATENING
Signs include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in
consciousness; vomiting and high body temperature. Call 9-1-1 immediately if someone shows signs of heat stroke. Move
the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person’s body by immersing them
up to their neck in cold water if possible. Otherwise, douse or spray the
person with cold water, or cover the person with cold, wet towels or bags of
ice.
HEAT EXHAUSTION Excessive heat can
lead to sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If someone is
experiencing heat cramps in the legs or abdomen, get them to a cooler place,
have them rest, lightly stretch the affected muscle, and replenish their fluids
with a half a glass (about 4 ounces) of cool water every 15 minutes.
If
someone is exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion (cool, moist, pale or flushed
skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, exhaustion), move
them to a cooler place, remove or loosen tight clothing and spray the person
with water or apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If
they are conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure the
person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in condition. If the person refuses
water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1.
DOWNLOAD RED CROSS APPS The
Red Cross app “Emergency” can help keep you and your loved ones safe by putting
vital information in your hand and settings for more than 35 different severe
weather and emergency alerts including heat advisories and excessive heat
warnings. The Red Cross First Aid App puts instant access to information on
handling the most common first aid emergencies at your fingertips including
heat-related emergencies. Download these apps by searching for ‘American Red
Cross’ in your app store or at redcross.org/apps.
About
the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org/SC or @RedCrossSC
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org/SC or @RedCrossSC
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