• Stay indoors in air conditioning as much as possible.
• Drink plenty of water during the day – don’t wait until you are thirsty!
• Outdoor workers should drink between two and four cups of water every hour while working.
• Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar.
• Limit your outdoor activity to mornings and evenings and rest often in the shade.
• Wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing, a hat, sunglasses and an SPF15 or higher sunscreen.
• Check on those who may be more at-risk from high temperatures like:
o Infants and young children
o People aged 65 or older
o People with chronic medical conditions
• Never leave your children or pets in a vehicle.
• Know the following symptoms of heat stroke, a life-threatening, heat-related illness:
o An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
o Red, hot and dry skin (no sweating)
o Rapid, strong pulse
o Throbbing headache
o Dizziness
o Nausea
o Confusion
o Unconsciousness
• If you think someone has heat stroke:
o Call for emergency medical attention
o Get the victim to a shady area
o Cool the person rapidly (put them in a tub of cool water, place them in a cool shower, spray them with a garden hose, sponge them with cool water, etc.)
o Do not give the victim any fluids (like water) to drink
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• Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion:
o Heavy sweating
o Paleness (skin is a lighter color than normal)
o Muscle cramps
o Weakness
o Dizziness
o Headache
o Nausea or vomiting
o Fainting
• Help the victim cool off and seek medical attention if:
o Symptoms are severe
o Symptoms last more than one hour
o The victim has heart problems or high blood pressure
* If you do not have air conditioning at home, consider visiting public facilities that do have air conditioning to cool off for a few hours (libraries, malls, community centers)
