Staying Safe in Extreme Heat
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This page does not provide medical advice and is for informational purposes only. For medical advice, please consult your physician If you are experiencing a medical emergency, CALL 911. DO NOT DELAY. |
Each summer, millions of residents and tourists enjoy our state’s warm weather, theme-parks, and sunny beaches. However, many are unaware of just how hot it can get in Central Florida.
Exposure to extreme heat can have many direct effects on human health (heat stroke, reduced labor productivity), as well as indirect effects (promoting air pollution and increasing asthma attacks, overloading power grids requiring rolling blackouts).
What Actions Should You Take to Be Prepared?
- NEVER LEAVE CHILDREN OR PETS IN A PARKED CAR: The temperature can raise to 135 degrees in less than ten minutes, which can cause death to children or pets. If you see a child or pet left unattended in a parked car, you should call 9-1-1 and alert the authorities.
- SLOW DOWN. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day. Individuals at risk should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
- DRESS FOR SUMMER. Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures.
- DRINK PLENTY OF WATER. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don't feel thirsty. Persons who (1) have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease, (2) are on fluid restrictive diets, or (3) have a problem with fluid retention should consult a physician before increasing their consumption of fluids.
- DON'T DRINK ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.
- DON'T TAKE SALT TABLETS UNLESS SPECIFIED BY A PHYSICIAN. People on salt restrictive diets should consult a physician before increasing their salt intake.
- SPEND MORE TIME IN AIR-CONDITIONED PLACES. Air conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, spending some time each day (during hot weather) in an air-conditioned environment affords some protection.
- DON'T GET TOO MUCH SUN. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation much more difficult.
Find a Cooling Center Near You
Safety Tips for Heat Waves:
A heat wave is a period of abnormally hot weather generally lasting more than two days. Heat waves can occur with or without high humidity. They have potential to cover a large area, exposing a high number of people to hazardous heat. - You can check weather warnings and advisories here. Follow the instructions below if your area is reported to be affected by a heat wave:
- Prepare an emergency kit with food, water, and medications; make a family communications plan.
- Identify vulnerable neighbors (older, young, sick) who may need help during extreme heat.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, avoiding sugary and caffeinated drinks.
- Check and insulate air-conditioning ducts; install window reflectors and weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in.
- Cover sun-facing windows with drapes, shades, or awnings to reduce heat entering the home.
- Get first aid training to handle heat-related emergencies.
- Never leave children or pets in closed vehicles.
- Check on family, friends, and neighbors without air conditioning, especially those alone.
- Use public shelters if your home loses power; stay on the lowest floor out of the sun if no air conditioning is available.
- Discard any food that became wet or warm without proper cooling if power is lost.
- Check the local news for health and safety updates
Heat-Related Illnesses
It is crucial to recognize the signs of heat-related illnesses and know how to respond. If sick, contact your healthcare provider and shelter in place if possible.
For medical emergencies, call 9-1-1.
For detailed information, visit the CDC and National Weather Service.
Heat Cramps
Heat cramps may be the first sign of heat-related illness and may lead to heat exhaustion or stroke.
- Symptoms: Painful muscle cramps and spasms usually in legs and abdomen and Heavy sweating.
- First Aid: Apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gently massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water unless the person complains of nausea, then stop giving water.
Seek immediate medical attention if cramps last longer than 1 hour.
Heat Exhaustion
- Symptoms: Heavy sweating, Weakness or tiredness, cool, pale, clammy skin; fast, weak pulse, muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, headache, fainting,
- First Aid: Move person to a cooler environment, preferably a well air-conditioned room. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet clothes or have person sit in a cool bath. Offer sips of water. If person vomits more than once,
Seek immediate medical attention if the person vomits, symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour.
Heat Stroke
- Symptoms: Throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, body temperature above 103°F, hot, red, dry or damp skin, rapid and strong pulse, fainting, loss of consciousness.
- First Aid: Call 911 or take the victim to a hospital immediately. Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Delay can be fatal. Move the victim to a cooler, preferably air-conditioned, environment. Reduce body temperature with cool clothes or bath. Use fan if heat index temperatures are below the high 90s. A fan can make you hotter at higher temperatures. Do NOT give fluids.
Where Can You Go for Up-To-Date Info?
Need Shelter?
City Of Orlando: The Salvation Army Men’s Shelter - Emergency shelters available for those looking to escape extreme cold, intense heat, torrential rain, or just wanting a safe, quiet place to spend the night.
City Of Orlando: The Salvation Army Women’s and Children Shelter - Also known as the Sally House, the Salvation Army provides shelter to women and children.
City of Orlando: Christian Service Center - Provides a cooling center for those in need when the heat index exceeds 103 degrees. The Center provides an indoor rest area and outdoor tents equipped with fans, water, and ice.
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Sources:
NWS – Heat Safety Tips and Resources