Red Cross
Offers Heat Safety Tips and Action Steps for
Heat-Related Emergencies
Wilmington, DE - July 16, 2006 –
As a heat wave is expected for New Castle County
for the next few days, the American Red Cross
offers the following advice on staying safe:
Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight,
light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect
away some of the sun's energy. It is also a good
idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella.
Drink water. Carry water or juice with you
and drink continuously even if you do not feel
thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which
dehydrate the body. Avoid using salt tablets
unless directed to do so by a physician.
Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid
high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.
Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you
must do strenuous activity, do it during the
coolest part of the day, which is usually in the
morning between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Stay indoors when possible. If air
conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest
floor out of the sunshine. Remember that electric
fans do not cool, they simply circulate the air.
Be a good neighbor. During heat waves,
check in on elderly residents in your neighborhood
and those who do not have air conditioning.
Learn Red Cross first aid and CPR. While
the above tips can help prevent emergencies, it is
important to know what to do if a life-threatening
situation arises.
KNOW WHAT THESE
HEAT-RELATED TERMS MEAN:
Heat cramps: Heat cramps are muscular pains
and spasms due to heavy exertion. Although heat
cramps are the least severe, they are an early
signal that the body is having trouble with the
heat.
Heat exhaustion: Heat exhaustion typically
occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a
hot, humid place where body fluids are lost
through heavy sweating. Blood flow to the skin
increases, causing blood flow to decrease to the
vital organs. This results in a form of mild
shock. If not treated, the victim may suffer heat
stroke. Signals of heat exhaustion include cool,
moist, pale flushed or red skin; heavy sweating;
headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and
exhaustion. Body temperature will be near normal.
Heat stroke: Also known as sunstroke, heat
stroke is life-threatening. The victim's
temperature control system, which produces
sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body
temperature can rise so high that brain damage and
death may result if the body is not cooled
quickly. Signals include hot, red and dry skin;
changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and
rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperature can be
very high-sometimes as high as 105 o.
GENERAL CARE FOR HEAT
EMERGENCIES:
Heat cramps or heat exhaustion: Get the
person to a cooler place and have him or her rest
in a comfortable position. If the person is fully
awake and alert, give half a glass of cool water
every 15 minutes. Do not let him or her drink too
quickly. Do not give liquids that contain alcohol
or caffeine. Remove or loosen tight clothing and
apply cool, wet cloths, such as towels or sheets.
Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number if the
person refuses water, vomits or loses
consciousness.
Heat stroke: Heat stroke is a
life-threatening situation! Help is needed fast.
Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. Move
the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the
body. Immerse victim in a cool bath, or wrap wet
sheets around the body and fan it. Watch for
signals of breathing problems. Keep the person
lying down and continue to cool the body any way
you can. If the victim refuses water or is
vomiting or there are changes in the level of
consciousness, do not give anything to eat or
drink..
