Sheriff offers tips to reduce risk of heat-related illness

With the forecast of temperatures over 100 degrees later this week and this coming weekend, the Grant County Sheriff’s Office is reminding people to be careful and follow this information from the Centers for Disease Control to help prevent heat related illness.

· Stop all activity and get to a cool environment if you feel faint or weak.

· Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

· Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when the sun is hottest.

· Never leave infants or children in a parked car. Nor should pets be left in parked cars—they can suffer heat-related illness too.

· Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.

· Check on a friend or neighbor, and have someone do the same for you.

· Check the local news for health and safety updates regularly.

· Don’t use the stove or oven to cook—it will make you and your house hotter.

· Take cool showers or baths to cool down.

· If you can’t afford to use your air conditioning, locate an air-conditioned shelter in your area.

· Avoid alcohol or liquids containing large amounts of sugar.

Signs and symptoms of heat related illness

Heat Exhaustion

· Heavy sweating

· Weakness

· Cold, pale, and clammy skin

· Fast, weak pulse

· Nausea or vomiting

· Fainting

What You Should Do:

· Move to a cooler location.

· Lie down and loosen your clothing.

· Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of your body as possible.

· Sip water.

· If you have vomited and it continues, seek medical attention immediately.

Heat Stroke

· High body temperature (above 103°F)*

· Hot, red, dry or moist skin

· Rapid and strong pulse

· Possible unconsciousness

What You Should Do:

· Call 911 immediately — this is a medical emergency.

· Move the person to a cooler environment.

· Reduce the person’s body temperature with cool cloths or even a bath.

· Do NOT give fluids.