“Now is the time to prepare for hot temperatures that bring illness and even death every year,” according to Christina Hinkle, director of clinic services, at the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department and the Putnam County Health Department.
“Take measures to stay cool. Remain hydrated and keep informed. Getting too hot can make you sick. You can become ill from the heat if your body can’t compensate for it and properly cool you off,” Hinkle said.
Those at highest risk include children younger than two, people 65 and older and people with chronic diseases or mental illnesses.
Take protective actions.
- Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death. If a home is not air-conditioned, people can reduce their risk for heat-related illness by spending time in air-conditioned public facilities and vehicles.
- Do not rely on a fan as a primary cooling device during sustained periods of abnormally and uncomfortably hot and often humid weather.
- Drink more water than usual. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
- Check on a friend or neighbor. Have someone do the same for you.
- Use the stove and oven as little as possible.
- Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when the sun is hottest.
- Wear and reapply sunscreen.
- Pace activity. Pick up the pace gradually.
- Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.