Heat Safety Tips from Winchester Hospital

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, heat is the No. 1 weather-related killer in the United States. In fact, more deaths are caused on average by excessive heat exposure than by hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes combined.

People suffer heat-related illness and even death when their bodies are unable to properly cool themselves. When the humidity is high, sweat does not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from properly releasing heat. Other risk conditions include age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, poor circulation, sunburn, and prescription drug and alcohol use. However, even young and healthy individuals can be affected if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather. 

 encourages people to take the following precautions to stay cool and safe:

• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Light colors reflect heat and sunlight and help maintain normal body temperature. Protect your face with a wide-brimmed hat.
• Drink plenty of water regularly and often, even if you do not feel thirsty. Attempt to stay hydrated.
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages. They can actually dehydrate your body.
• Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals. Avoid high protein foods that increase metabolic heat.
• Avoid strenuous activity and stay indoors as much as possible (preferably in an air-conditioned facility).  
• If you do not have air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor, out of the sun. Electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help evaporate perspiration which cools your body.
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers. Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent.
• Avoid too much sunshine. Sunburn slows the skin’s ability to cool itself.  If you are outside, use sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (sun protection factor) rating.
• Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors.