How to keep your kids, pets and older adults safe during the heat wave
Officials with the Ohio Department of Health want families to practice some extra safety precautions as a heat wave hits the region.
Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, director of the Ohio Department of Health, said extreme summer temperatures can be dangerous for people who are at a high risk of heat-related illnesses, such as:
- infants and young children
- older adults
- people with mental illness and chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, obesity and poor blood circulation
- people who are pregnant
- people who work and exercise outdoors
- people without access to air conditioning
“High temperatures pose the threat of heat-related illnesses for all people, but some are more at risk than others,” said Dr. Vanderhoff. “It’s critical we remain vigilant and follow some simple precautions to get through it without incident, injury, or illness.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1,200 people die every year nationwide from heat-related causes.
“It’s important to know that certain medications can increase your risk of heat-related illnesses,” said Dr. Vanderhoff.
Some of the prescriptions that can affect someone’s tolerance to heat include sedatives, sinus, allergy, psychotropic and other medications.
Check the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services pamphlet for the full list.
What are heat-related illnesses?
Most heat-related illnesses occur because of overexposure to heat or over-exercising, according to the CDC.
After working in extreme heat, you might develop heat cramps.
If someone starts feeling dizzy, nauseous, weak and clammy, that’s heat exhaustion.
Rest in a cool, calm location and drink water. If you start feeling overheated, take a cold shower or bath.
If the symptoms don’t improve in an hour, call a doctor.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency where a person’s temperature rises to 106°F or higher.
Signs of heat stroke include skin that’s hot to the touch, confusion, dizziness, fainting and bounding heart rate.
For heat stroke, rest in a cool, calm location, call 911 and don’t drink more water.
How to avoid heat-related illnesses
During extreme heat days, try to plan indoor activities.
Stay in air-conditioned rooms and avoid cooking with stoves and ovens.
If you’re spending time outside, here are the ways to stay safe:
- Drink two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside
Avoid fluids that contain alcohol or caffeine, as they can add to dehydration and increase the effects of heat illness
- Use sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher with UVA/UVB protection
- Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sun especially on concrete and asphalt
- Avoid waiting in hot cars without any air conditioning
- Wear light-colored clothes that aren’t tight, and bring sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
Warning for kids, older adults
It’s especially risky for young children playing outside during hot days who might not realize that they are getting overheated.
According to Dr. Vanderhoff, adults should closely monitor children, require frequent breaks and bring them indoors for cool drinks.
During team sports, parents should closely monitor for signs of heat stress during sunny games outside.
Chronic health conditions and medications can change how older adults’ bodies respond to heat.
The CDC recommends anyone 65 years or older use the buddy system during heat waves.
Ask a friend or relative call to check on you twice a day during a heat wave. If you know someone in this age group, check on them at least twice a day.
Keeping pets safe
Never leave your pets or kids inside a vehicle during the summer.
The ODH said even if the windows are cracked open, interior temperatures can rise almost 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes.
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