With temperatures in the 90s through Sunday, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and Police Commissioner Patrick J. Ryder would like to remind residents that as the temperature rises, it’s important to “keep your cool.” Know the warning signs, and treatment, of common heat-related problems.
HEAT STROKE (“sunstroke”) occurs when the body can’t rid itself of excess heat, and there is a sudden rise in body temperature. Symptoms appear rapidly:
- Look for very hot and dry skin (no sweat),dizziness, nausea, confusion and unconsciousness.
- Lower the body temperature as quickly as possible.
- Move the person to a cool area, or immerse in/pour cool water over the person. Seek medical attention immediately. Heat Stroke can be fatal.
HEAT EXHAUSTION is a mild form of shock from excess exposure to heat.
- Look for pale, clammy skin with profuse sweating, headache, dizziness, fatigue and sometimes abdominal cramping.
- Body temperature remains close to normal. Move the person to a cool area.
HEAT SYNCOPE (loss of consciousness) is due to decreased blood flow to the brain
and heart as the blood pools in the extremities.
- The person will quickly regain consciousness when lying down. Allow the victim to rest, and remove from the activity or environment which caused the loss of consciousness.
HEAT RASH (“prickly heat”) is caused by blocked sweat ducts. Although not dangerous, the rash has a tingly or prickly feeling.
- Shower or wash often, dry your skin completely and change into dry clothing.
- Stay out of the heat until the rash is gone.
HEAT CRAMPS (mild to severe muscle cramps in the arms, legs or abdomen) are
due to profuse perspiration.
- Look for pale, moist skin with heavy sweating and occasional nausea or faintness.
- Move the person to a cool area but do not massage the cramped muscles. If not nauseous, slowly sip one or two glasses of an electrolyte drink.
- Do not resume the activity which caused the cramps for at least 12 hours or the cramps may return.
The police department offers the following 10 suggestions to prevent heat-related illnesses:
1. Babies and the elderly are at the most risk.
The elderly and young children under five years of age, especially babies under one year, are particularly sensitive to heat’s effects. Be sure to offer plenty of liquids to drink, keep them in the shade, and take care not to overdress them.
2. Get out of the heat.
Take advantage of air conditioned facilities such as indoor shopping malls, public libraries, movie theaters, municipal buildings, or senior citizen centers. If you must go outside try to limit these excursions to early morning or later in the evening when temperatures are lower.
3. Stay in the shade.
When you are outdoors stay out of direct sun when possible. There can be a 10 to 15-degree difference in the temperature when you are in the shade.
4. Use fans, even if you have air conditioning.
While electric fans do not cool, a fan in each room will help to circulate air and lower temperatures. If you don’t have air conditioning … create cross-ventilation by opening windows on two sides of the building, keep curtains, shades or blinds drawn during the hottest part of the day, and open windows at night. Try to spend a few hours in an air conditioned building.
5. Cool your body temperature.
If possible, take a cool bath or shower. Cool water will help you to dissipate body heat.
6. Wear loose-fitting clothing in light colors
Dark colors will absorb heat. Loosely woven cotton and linen (natural fibers) are much cooler than knits and synthetic fabrics.
7. Drink plenty of fluids
Try to drink eight to ten 8-ounce cups of liquid daily. Carry water or juice with you and sip continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. Snack on vegetables and fruit since they have a high-water content.
8. Avoid alcohol and caffeine
Stay away from caffeinated beverages and alcohol, which can dehydrate the body. Alcohol may also dull your perception of the actual temperature.
9. Salt and electrolytes
Don’t take salt tablets unless you check with your doctor first. You get enough salt from your food or drinking a sports drink.
10. Pets can be affected by the heat.
Keep their water dish full, and keep them indoors or in the shade during peak hours. Never leave an animal in a locked car, even for a few minutes.
