Staying Cool In The Heat

Staying Cool In The Heat
Shelby Horn / 16 Jun 2017 / No Comments » Comments

The Las Vegas office of the National Weather Service is reporting an incoming high-pressure weather system that will bring very hot temperatures to Lake Havasu City, with temperatures climbing over 115 degrees starting Sunday and carrying into next week.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention provides these tips on staying safe in extreme heat:

– Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible

– Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing

– Drink more water than usual; DO NOT wait until you’re thirsty to drink fluids

DO NOT leave children or pets in vehicles, as car temperatures rise quickly

Make sure to check on those who are high risk: seniors over the age of 65, infants and children, and those with chronic medical conditions and the homeless. It is also important to keep an eye on pets, as they are susceptible to illness from the high heat as well.

Watch out for these signs of heat-related illnesses:

In Humans – Heat Exhaustion

  • Heavy sweating
  • Weakness
  • Cold, pale and clammy skin
  • Fast, weak pulse
  • Nausea or vomiting

If someone is suffering from these symptoms, move to a cooler location, lie down and loosen clothing, apply cool, wet cloths to the body and sip water.

In Humans – Heat Stroke

  • High body temperature, over 103 degrees
  • Hot, red, dry or moist skin
  • Rapid and strong pulse
  • Possible unconsciousness

If is suffering from these symptoms, call 911 immediately as this is a medical emergency. Move the person to a cooler environment, reduce body temperature with cool cloths, but do not give fluids.

In Pets

  • Heavy panting
  • Glazed eyes
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Dizziness or lack of coordination

If a pet is suffering from these symptoms, move the animal into a cooler environment, apply wet cloths to the body, let the animal drink small amounts of water or lick ice cubes, and then transport to a veterinarian. It’s important to also think about your pets’ feet – if you cannot hold the back of your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds, then it is too hot for your pet’s feet.

If someone is out and about and find themselves overheated, the Aquatic Center, all fire departments and city facilities with public access have set up cooling centers around town, providing water and a place to rest and cool down.

In the wake of these upcoming heat warnings, the Western Arizona Humane Society is seeking donations of ice to help them keep their animals cool. Contact the WAHS at 928-855-5083 for more information on donating.

For more information on the excessive heat warnings or heat related illnesses, visit:

http://www.weather.gov/vef/ or https://www.cdc.gov/extremeheat/ or http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/pets_safe_heat_wave.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/

 

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