Keep Your Cool this Summer
June 15, 2013 02:09 PM
Keep Your Cool this Summer
Summer, which can mean lots of fun in the sun, is here. The weather can get extremely hot and quickly go from fun to dangerous. Extreme heat can be life threatening. So be aware and here are some things you can do to help your family, friends, or neighbors, during a heat wave.
Check on your family members, friends and neighbors occasionally during the day. Those most affected are: Elderly, Infants, people with medical conditions, people living alone, those who live without air-conditioning, and the homeless.
Be sure to check for these signs:
· Headaches usually throbbing and or nausea
· Hot, red, dry skin
· Very high body temperature (105 degrees)
· Rapid pulse
· Shallow breathing
· Confusion
If a person is ill or feeling sick because of the heat, they may develop heat stroke or heat exhaustion. These are serious medical conditions. Get medical help quickly. Get the person to a cool area as soon as possible. Try to cool the person down by fanning him/her and wrapping the person in a cool, wet sheet.
To prevent heat related illness and to keep from getting sick make sure you:
· Drink plenty of fluids, even before you are thirsty.
· Stay away from alcohol and drinks with high sugar content.
· Wear lightweight, light colored and loose fitting clothing.
· Wear sunscreen if you are outside.
· Limit outside activities.
· Stay cool.
Visit one of the “Cooling Stations” to stay inside in an air conditioned building during the heat of the day. The City of Burbank uses the Joslyn Adult Center as a cooling station. You can also visit one of our wonderful libraries, malls or take in a movie.
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