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Community Corner

Prepare for Extreme Heat with Tips from the Red Cross

The forecast is predicting extreme heat in the next few days, so learn how to avoid heat-related illnesses.

With the highs estimated to reach the 90s by 3 p.m. in Warminster, it's important to be prepared for the heat wave.

The American Red Cross released helpful information to help people prepare for a heat wave, what to during high temperatures and how to care for someone suffering from heat-related emergencies.

The Red Cross also mentions three forms of heat-related illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

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Heat cramps are the first sign that someone is having trouble due to extreme heat. The muscular pains or spasms can occur in the legs or
abdomen because of high exposure to high heat and humidity and loss of fluids and electrolytes.

Loss of body fluids because of heavy sweating due to strenuous exercise or physical labor is a cause of heat exhaustion. Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness and exhaustion, according to the Red Cross.

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To help someone with these symptoms, move the person to a cooler place in doors or in the shade. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths to the skin. If possible, have the person slowly drink small amounts of cool water. If the person refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness, call 9-1-1 immediately.

The most threatening of the three conditions is heat stroke. Also known as sunstroke, heat stroke is a life-threatening condition that means a person's temperature control system isn't working and that the body cannot cool itself.

Hot, red skin that may be dry or moist, changes in consciousness, vomiting and high body temperature are all signs of heat stroke.

Because heat stroke is life-threatening, call 9-1-1 immediately before moving the person to a cooler area and cool the body as you would for heat exhaustion. You can also apply cool cloths to the wrists, ankles, groin, neck and armpits of the person suffering from heat-related injuries.

Be sure to check the weather often to be aware of upcoming temperature changes. And, to avoid suffering from heat cramps, exhaustion or stroke, try some of the following suggestions from the Red Cross.

  • If your home doesn't have air conditioning, choose to seek places for relief from the heat during the hottest part of the day, such as libraries, malls and theaters.
  • Never leave children or pets in vehicles.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking fluids even if you don't feel thirsty, but avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.
  • Dress for the weather by wearing loose-fitting, light-weight and light-colored clothing. 
  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, or take breaks often if you must work outdoors.
  • Eat smaller meals and more often, since excessive heat can make you feel not hungry.
  • Check on family, friends and neighbors who don't have air conditioning, who live alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat (ie: children, seniors, people with asthma), and check on animals to make sure their needs for water and shade are met.
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