According to Pearl River County director of Emergency Management, Danny Manley, approximately 175 people in the United States dies each year from extreme heat. He said young children, the elderly, those with health issues or are obese, are most likely to become victims. The following are suggestions from his office for dealing with the heat, as well as signs to look out for.

 

How to protect yourself

– Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.

– Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.

– Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls and other community facilities.

– Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.

– Drink plenty of water. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing fluid intake.

– Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.

– Dress in loose fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.

– Check on family and friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.

– Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.

– Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat and take frequent breaks.

 

Signs of heat exhaustion

–          Heavy sweating but skin may be cool, pale, or flushed.

–          Weak pulse.

–          Normal body temperature is possible, but temperature will likely rise.

–          Fainting or dizziness, nausea, vomiting, exhaustion, and headaches are all possible.

 

Signs of heat stroke – Call 911 if someone has these symptoms

–          High body temperature (105 plus)

–          Hot, red, dry skin.

–          Rapid, weak pulse and rapid shallow breathing.

–          Victim will probably not sweat unless victim was sweating from recent strenuous activity.

–          Possible unconsciousness.