Precautions To Beat The Heavy Hitting Heat

With dangerously high levels of heat forecast across the state of Illinois in the coming days, including heat index forecasts approaching 100 degrees, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is warning Illinoisans to take preventative actions to avoid heat-related illnesses.

Exposure to extreme heat, and especially prolonged exposure, cause serious health complications, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke, IDPH officials said. The Department is urging Illinoisans to take precautions and protect themselves, their families and their pets from overheating and heat-related illnesses. This is critically important for very young children, people who are pregnant and those who are older. Public health officials also remind citizens to check on the well-being of vulnerable people who live alone without air conditioning.

Protection measures for heatstroke and heat exhaustion with these basic steps:

Stay in an air conditioned area during the hottest hours of the day. If there is no air conditioning within the residence, go to a public place such as a shopping mall or a library to stay cool. Or check for Illinois cooling centers at their website https://keepcool.illinois.gov;

Wear non-heavy, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, as it reflects heat and sunlight;

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water often and don’t wait until the point of being thirsty. Avoid beverages that can dehydrate you like those that contain caffeine or alcohol;

Avoid unnecessary hard work or activities if you are outside or in a building without air conditioning, especially during times of peak heat from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.;

Avoid unnecessary sun exposure. When in the sun, wear a hat, preferably with a wide brim;

And slow down. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day. Those at risk should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.

Some symptoms of heatstroke are as follows: Body temperature over 103 degrees Fahrenheit; Difficulty breathing; An elevated heart rate; Skin hot to the touch; Feeling dizziness, and nausea or disorientation.

If someone is experiencing these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately. While you are waiting for medical assistance, you can use ice packs on the neck and underarms and drink cool water to lower the body temperature.

This is the time of year when ultraviolet (UV) rays are strongest and can cause severe sunburn. It is important to protect the skin, especially for those prone to developing skin cancer. To avoid sunburn, wear sunscreen of SPF30 or higher. Also wear protective clothing, including long-sleeved shirts, long pants and a wide-brimmed hat, especially when the UV index is over 6.

To keep pets safe, please do the following: Never leave a pet in a parked car because they can suffer from heat-related illness too; and provide plenty of fresh water for pets and leave the water in a shady area.

Additional information about heat related illnesses and how to avoid them can be found at the IDPH website.