| With
the heat index expected to climb to triple digits this week, Wake County EMS
reminds residents to follow simple guidelines to stay safe.
“These
high temperatures pose a real risk—but heat-related deaths and illnesses are
preventable,” said Jeff Hammerstein, assistant chief, Community Outreach, for
Wake County EMS. “There are things residents can do to keep themselves, and
their loved ones, safe during extreme heat.”
According
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 618 people in the United
States are killed by extreme heat every year. More people in the United States
die each year from extreme heat exposure than from any other weather-related
cause including hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes
combined.
Heat
illness can range from dehydration to muscle cramping to more serious, and in
some cases deadly, conditions such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Warning
signs include:
- Thirst
- Weakness
- Irritability
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Concentrated or dark-colored urine
- Nausea and muscle cramping
- Decreased performance
- Dry lips and tongue
To
prevent heat-related illnesses, Wake County EMS advises residents to:
- Never leave children in cars. Even with a window cracked open, cars
heat up very quickly. According to the National Weather Service, 51 young
children died in hot cars in the United States in 2019.
- Stay hydrated. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
Avoid sugary or alcoholic drinks. If you’re on a special diet, consult
your doctor.
- Stay inside. If you can, stay in an air-conditioned
place as much as possible. Limit your outdoor activity to the morning and
evening hours when it’s the coolest. Check on the elderly, sick and those
without air conditioning.
- Monitor those at high risk. Heat-related illnesses can happen to
anyone, but some are at greater risk, including infants, young children
and people who are 65 and older. Those who are overweight or physically
ill are also more susceptible.
- Take breaks. If you work outside, stay hydrated and
take breaks in the shade as often as possible.
And
don’t forget your pets—leave them at home and make sure they have plenty of
water and shelter. More pet safety tips can be found here.
More information
about extreme heat and tips for how to stay safe as the temperatures soar can
be found here. |