Heat Safety 

 Heat can be taxing on the body and can bring on heat related illnesses or make existing conditions worse. During hot, humid periods, the body can struggle to cool itself. This can also lead to dehydration from sweating and can bring on heat illnesses.      

• Heat Cramps:
  This is usually the first sign of heat-related illness and might lead to heat exhaustion or a stroke.
  
    - Symptoms:
        - Heavy sweating
        - Muscle cramps
        - Muscle spasms


• Heat Exhaustion:
  This condition happens when the body overheats.
  
    - Symptoms:
        - Cool, moist skin, goose bumps in the heat
        - Heavy sweating
        - Faintness
        - Dizziness
        - Fatigue
        - Weak, rapid pulse
        - Low blood pressure upon standing
        - Muscle cramps
        - Nausea
        - Headache


• Heatstroke
  This is the most serious heat-related illness and is caused by the body overheating to a temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit or greater. Call 911 Immediately!
  
    - Symptoms:
        - Throbbing headache
        - Confusion
        - Slurred speech
        - Dizziness
        - Nausea
        - Body temperature over 103 Fahrenheit
        - Hot, red, dry or damp skin
        - Rapid, strong pulse
        - Fainting
        - Loss of consciousness

• Drink plenty of water. Drinks that have electrolytes can also help
• Take frequent breaks in the shade or indoors with air conditioning
• Wear light colored, loose-fitting clothes
• Check in on those without air conditioning, especially the elderly
• Never leave pets or children in a vehicle unattended
• Limit strenuous activities

• Pregnancy:
  Extreme heat events can have adverse birth outcomes like low weight, premature birth, infant mortality, and congenital cataracts


• Newborns:
  Their ability to adjust body temperature is limited.


• Children/infants:
  Their bodies are less able to adjust to heat in comparison to adults. Children under four are most at risk


• The Elderly:
  Older adults, especially those with preexisting conditions, are on certain medicines, live alone, or have limited mobility are higher risk


• Chronic Illness:
  People who have a chronic illness are at a higher risk for heat related illnesses

Heat Safety Tips and Resources (weather.gov)

Heat-Related Illnesses (cdc.gov)

Heatstroke Symptoms and Causes (mayoclinic.org)

Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke Are Too Hot To Handle on Your Own (health.clevelandclinic.org)