Star City Volunteer Fire and EMS offers tips to stay safe in the heat. Check out our segment on WBOY where we offer advice not only for Mountainfest, but also to stay safe during hot summer weather at all times.
- Always drink plenty of water while in the heat even if you do not feel thirsty
- Limit your consumption of alcohol
- Take frequent breaks during strenuous outside activity
- Stay in a shaded place as much as possible during extended outside activity
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose fitting clothing
- If possible remain indoors in an air conditioned place during times of extreme heat
- Check on friends and neighbors
- Know the signs of heat related illness and get help for yourself or others if the signs/symptoms are present:
- Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale, ashen or flushed skin; headache; nausea; dizziness; weakness; and exhaustion. Move the person to a cooler environment with circulating air. Remove or loosen as much clothing as possible and apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fanning or spraying the person with water also can help. If the person is conscious, give small amounts of a cool fluid such as a commercial sports drink or fruit juice to restore fluids and electrolytes. Milk or water may also be given. Give about 4 ounces of fluid every 15 minutes.
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Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that usually occurs by ignoring the signals of heat exhaustion. Heat stroke develops when the body systems are overwhelmed by heat and begin to stop functioning. Signs of heat stroke include extremely high body temperature, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallow breathing; confusion; vomiting; and seizures.
- Heat stroke is life-threatening. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately.
- Rapidly cool the body by immersing the person up to the neck in cold water, if possible OR douse or spray the person with cold water
- Sponge the person with ice water-doused towels over the entire body, frequently rotating the cold, wet towels.
- Cover the person with bags of ice.
- If you are not able to measure and monitor the person’s temperature, apply rapid cooling methods for 20 minutes or until the person’s condition improves.
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