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July 06, 2010
Michigan is experiencing heat advisories in certain areas of the state due to extremely high temperatures. The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) offers safety precautions to keep you safe this summer when the heat reaches 80 degrees or above.
"While summer weather means getting outside and having fun, too much heat can cause you to get sick," said MDCH Director Janet Olszewski. "To prevent symptoms of heat stress, adults and children should stay completely hydrated by drinking water frequently, even when you may not be thirsty. Stay clear of alcoholic and caffeinated drinks as they cause dehydration."
Very hot days, with temperatures in the upper 80's and above, can cause body temperature to rise, possibly resulting in muscle cramps, dizziness and even death. Heat illness can occur when your body cannot cool down, which is why it is so important to understand how to protect yourself and your family in extreme temperatures.
"It is crucial that children, the elderly and pets are never left in parked cars," added Olszewski. "Cars heat up very quickly and can become dangerous-even with the windows open."
What is heat illness?
The body normally cools down by sweating. During extremely hot weather, when sweating isn't enough to cool the body, you can become overheated to the point of becoming ill. Heat illness can cause you to become very sick, and could even cause death.
Who is more likely to be affected by the heat?
- Young children age four years and younger
- Adults age 65 years and older
- People who are overweight
- People who have existing medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, lung problems, or mental illness
- People who take certain medications, such as those for high blood pressure or poor circulation. Ask your doctor if your medication could cause you to be affected by heat.
- People who work in hot places such as construction sites or restaurant kitchens
How can I avoid heat illness?
- Stay cool. Use an air conditioner or go to a cool place such as a basement, neighbor's house, shopping mall or cooling center. Spending even a few hours a day in air conditioning can help reduce your risk for heat illness.
- Use a fan only when the windows are open or the air conditioner is on. Fans will not prevent heat-illness when the temperature is in the high 90s.
- Take a cool shower or bath.
- Keep shades and curtains closed to block the sun from coming in your home or office.
- Avoid exercising and physical activity during the hottest part of the day. Mornings and evenings are usually cooler than mid-day.
- Stay out of the sun. If you must be in the sun, wear thin and light-colored clothing, a hat and sunglasses. Wear sunscreen (at least SPF15) and reapply it every two hours, after swimming or exercising.
- Check on family members, neighbors and friends at least once a day. Move them to a cool place if necessary.
- Never, ever leave children, the elderly or pets in parked cars. Cars heat up very quickly and can become dangerous, even with the windows open.
The National Weather Service issues heat advisories and warnings when the heat index is expected to rise to a dangerous level. The heat index combines high temperatures and humidity to let you know how hot it feels outside.
A heat advisory is when the heat index is expected to be at least 100° for three hours or more.
A heat warning is when the heat index is expected to be at least 105° for three hours or more.
Check the signs, symptoms of heat illness. If necessary, follow these first aid steps.
Sunburn
- Symptoms: Swelling, pain and redness of skin, blisters, fever, headaches.
- First Aid: Apply cool cloths to the burned area or put in cool water (not cold). Apply moisturizing lotion. Do not use salve, butter or ointment. Do not break blisters. Get medical attention for sunburned babies less than 1 year old.
Heat Cramps
- Symptoms: Muscle pain, heavy sweating.
- First Aid: Stop all activity for a few hours. Drink water, clear juice or a sports beverage. Get medical attention if cramps do not go away within 1 hour.
Heat Exhaustion
- Symptoms: Heavy sweating, cramps, tiredness, weakness, headache, cool and moist skin, fast and weak pulse, fast breathing, nausea, fainting.
- First Aid: Get the person out of the sun, lay them down and loosen their clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Give sips of a cool, non-alcoholic drink. Get medical help right away for an infant, the elderly or if the person has an existing medical condition. You should also get medical help right away if the symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke!
Heat Stroke
- Symptoms: Skin that feels hot and dry but not sweaty. High body temperature (above 103°) Rapid, strong pulse. Throbbing headache. Dizziness, nausea, confusion, unconsciousness.
- First Aid: Call 911 and get medical help right away! Heat stroke can cause death. Move the person into a shady area and put them in a tub of cool water, shower them with a garden hose, or use any other method to cool them rapidly. Do not give the person alcohol to drink.