National Weather Service has issued Excessive Heat Warning

When the National Weather Service issues an Excessive Heat Warning for our area, it means you should take action to help yourself and others avoid heat-related illnesses and life-threatening situations. Extreme heat causes more fatalities than any other weather-related event. It’s crucial to recognize heat-related symptoms and know how to action:

Heat Cramps

Symptoms: heavy sweating with muscle pain or spasms caused by a large loss of salt and water from the body.

What to do:

• Take a break, move to a cool place, and rehydrate with water or a drink that has electrolytes.
• Seek medical attention if the cramps do not subside within an hour.

Heat Exhaustion

Symptoms: 

• Heavy sweating
• Cold, pale and clammy skin
• Fast, weak pulse
• Nausea
• Tiredness or weakness
• Headache, dizziness or feeling faint

What to do:

• Move to a cool place and loosen tight clothing.
• Cool the body with wet cloths, misting, fanning, or ice packs.
• Sip water slowly.
• Seek medical attention if vomiting occurs, symptoms last over an hour, or if confusion develops.

Heat Stroke

Symptoms:

• Very high body temperature
• Hot, dry or damp skin
• Throbbing headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Confusion, disorientation or slurred speech
• May lose consciousness

What to do:

• Call 9-1-1 immediately. Heat stroke is life-threatening!
• Do NOT drink anything.

Other Heat-Related Tips

• Don’t forget about your pets! They need a cool place with shade and plenty of fresh water. If the pavement is too hot to touch with your bare hand/feet, then it is too hot for your pet as well.
• Check on family members, seniors and neighbors to make sure they are aware and prepared, too.
• Wear sunscreen and protective coverings as well as dress in lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing.
• If you can’t avoid strenuous, outside activity, take regular breaks and stay hydrated.
• Never leave people or pets unattended inside of a vehicle, and keep your vehicle locked when no one is in it to prevent children from accessing it.
• If you do not have air conditioning, cool off at public locations such as libraries, the mall, pools, splash pads, etc.

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