Community Corner

With Heat Wave on the Way, Heat Safety Tips Offered

The Red Cross has provided the following tips to help local families stay safe in the extreme heat.

Forecasters are calling for temperatures to climb into the upper 90s over the next few days, and those temperatures--combined with high humidity--could prove dangerous for individuals who are unprepared, the American Red Cross of the Lehigh Valley said in a press release issued earlier this week.

To help local residents stay safe, the Red Cross is advising adherence to the following safety tips:

  • Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles--even for a few minutes.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking fluids throughout the day and avoiding alcohol and caffeinated beverages.
  • Wear loose-fitting, light-colored, lightweight clothing and wide-brimmed hats.
  • Wear eye protection and apply sunscreen if you will be spending time outside. Remember to reapply sunscreen if you will be out for an extended period of time.
  • If you will be working outside, take frequent breaks and try to schedule your work so it's not during the hottest parts of the day.
  • Check on the elderly, the young, the sick and the overweight, because they are more likely to be affected by the extreme heat.
  • Make sure that pets have plenty of shade and cool water, if they are outside.
  • Head to air conditioned public places such as malls, stores or libraries if you don't have A/C at home.
  • Check the contents of your home emergency preparedness kit in case of a power outage.
  • Discuss heat safety and precautions with the other members of your household.

If you encounter someone who may be suffering from heat stroke--which can be life threatening--call 911 immediately. The symptoms of heat stroke include hot, red skin that may be moist or dry; vomiting; high temperature; and loss of consciousness. The symptoms of heat exhaustion, which precedes heat stroke, include heavy sweating, headache, dizziness, weakness, fatigue and cool, moist, pale or flushed skin.

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