Staying
Safe in a Hot Environment -
August 5, 2008
Claudann M. Jones, County
Extension Agent - Family and
Consumer Science
Excessive exposure to a hot
environment, especially while
active or working, can bring
about a variety of heat-induced
symptoms - some mild and some
severe. Heat illness can range
from mild to moderate cramping
and leg swelling to more severe
heat exhaustion and even fatal
heat
stroke if the body's temperature
is not brought down. In all
these cases, you will want to
get the person to a cooler environment
- an air conditioned building
if possible - or under a shade
tree or other shaded area if
air conditioning is not available.
You will also want to be sure
the person is hydrated with
regular sips of cool (not ice
cold) water or electrolyte-containing
sports drink (unless vomiting
ensues or heat stroke symptoms
are evident).
- For cramping, you can apply
firm pressure or gentle massage.
- For leg swelling, elevate
the legs. Call a doctor if
elevation doesn't bring the
swelling down.
- For heat exhaustion (characterized
by dizziness or feeling faint,
headache, nausea, profuse
sweating, clammy/cool skin,
rapid/weak pulse, low-grade
fever, low blood pressure,
and ashen or pale appearance),
get the person out of the
sun; lay him/her down; and
cool the body with cool, wet
cloths (changing them often)
or by spraying or sponging
the body with cool water.
- If signs of heat stroke
are present (characterized
by high body temperature [103
degrees F, orally]; red, hot,
dry skin; no sweating; rapid
heartbeat; rapid, shallow
breathing; dizziness; nausea,
confusion, irritability, and/or
unconsciousness), call 9-1-1
immediately, and begin cooling
the body in whatever way possible.
Time is crucial, so use whatever
means are available for cooling
- get the victim to shade
or air conditioning; immerse
the victim in a cool bath
or shower, or spray with a
garden water hose; sponge
or spray with cool water.
If the humidity is low, you
can wrap the victim in a cool,
wet sheet and fan him/her
vigorously. Do NOT give the
victim fluids in this case.
To stay safe in the heat and
prevent heat illness, allow
your body to adjust by limiting
your activity at first. Slow
down and avoid strenuous activity
during the hottest parts of
the day (between 10 am B 4 pm),
if possible. Wear a wide-brimmed
hat; wrap around, 100 percent
UV protective sunglasses; and
loose fitting, lightweight,
light-colored clothing to allow
some of the sun’s
energy to be reflected away
from the body. Drink plenty
of water even if you are not
thirsty. Your body needs water
to stay cool. If you are doing
strenuous activity for more
than 1 hour, try an electrolyte-replenishing
drink, like Gatorade or Powerade.
Eat well-balanced, light, regular
meals. Avoid salt tablets unless
directed to do so by your doctor.
Check on family, friends, and
neighbors who do not have air
conditioning or who spend much
of their time alone. If possible,
spend the warmest part of the
day in public buildings with
air conditioning, such as libraries,
schools, theaters, malls, or
other community facilities.
If air conditioning is not available,
stay on the lowest level of
the building. Never leave children
or pets alone in a closed vehicle,
even when you crack or roll
down the windows - temperatures
inside a vehicle climb higher
than the outdoor temperature.
Giving the body time to adjust
to the heat, staying hydrated,
and being aware of the signs
of heat illness can help keep
you and your loved ones safe
in the sun.
For more information, contact
your Texas AgriLife Extension
Service Shelby county agent
Claudann M. Jones at 598-7744
or eamil at cmjones@ag.tamu.edu.
For more information on issues
related to heat, please see
our HealthHints newsletter at
http://fcs.tamu.edu/health/healthhints/2008/aug/.
Written by Janet M. Pollard,
MPH, AgriLife Extension AssociateBHealth,
Texas AgriLife Extension Service,
Texas A&M System. July 2008.
~ ~ ~ ~
Educational programs of the
Texas AgriLife Extension Service
are open to all people without
regard to race, color, sex,
disability, religion, age, or
national origin. The Texas A&M
University System, U.S. Department
of Agriculture, and the County
Commissioners Courts of Texas
Cooperating
Claudann M. Jones
Texas AgriLife Extension
County Extension Agent
Family and Consumer Science
200 San Augustine St. #7
Center, Texas 75935
cmjones@ag.tamu.edu
936.598.7744 or 3223 office
936.598.4284 fax |
