The Heat is On: Staying Safe as the Mercury Rises

07/15/2011
It's been a very hot July so far, and it appears the heat will remain with us for a while. An excessive heat warning is in effect from 1PM today until at least Wednesday. With this in mind, Douglas County Emergency Management wants to remind citizens to stay safe during the hot days of summer by taking the following precautions: - Drink plenty of fluids (nonalcoholic). Warning: Talk to your doctor if your fluid intake is already limited. Be aware that liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps. - Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air‐conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to a community building-even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. Several buildings are open to the public in Lawrence, Eudora, and Baldwin. - Wear lightweight, light‐colored, loose‐fitting clothing. - NEVER leave a person or pet in a closed, parked vehicle. - If you must be out in the heat: o Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. o Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Warning: If you are on a low‐salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage. Remember the warning in the first "tip" (above), too. o Try to rest often in shady areas. o Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide‐brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say "broad spectrum" or "UVA/UVB protection" on their labels). - Although any one at any time can suffer from heat‐related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on: o Infants and young children o People aged 65 or older o People who have a mental illness o Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure By following these few tips, you can help yourself and your family beat the heat this summer. **Press Release does not reflect change in warning.

Related Links:
Heat Safety Press Release - http://www.douglas-county.com/depts/em/docs/pdf/heatsafety.pdf

Media Contact:
Teri Smith, Director
Emergency Management Department
785-838-2460
tsmith@douglas-county.com