Extremely high or unusually hot temperatures can affect residents health. The people most vulnerable include; the elderly, those who work or exercise outdoors, infants, children, the homeless and individuals with chronic medical conditions.
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“Heat illness can surprise you. Early signs may be nausea, general weakness, dizziness, headache or extreme thirst,” said Charles Patterson, Clark County Health Commissioner.
Due to the heat advisory, the CCHD recommends that every resident pay particular attention to the following suggestions:
1. Stay cool
• Stay in air-conditioned buildings
• Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device. Use air conditioning if available
• Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when it is the hottest part of the day, and avoid direct sunlight
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing
• Take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature
• Adjust blinds, shades and awnings to keep out sunlight
• Check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors at least twice a day
• Children and pets should not be left unattended in closed vehicles as temperatures can reach dangerous levels rapidly
2. Stay hydrated
•Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink
• Drink two or four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside
• Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar
• Make sure your family, friends and neighbors are drinking enough water
Heat exhaustion:
In addition, public health officials encourage all residents to learn the signs and first aid responses for heat-related illness. According to the Center for Disease Control, warning signs and symptoms vary but may include:
• Heavy sweating
• Weakness or tiredness
• Skin cold, pale and clammy
• Weak pulse
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Dizziness or fainting
• Headache
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If you find yourself experiencing heat exhaustion:
• Move to a cooler location
• Lie down and loosen your clothing
• Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of your body as possible
• Sip water
• If you have vomited and it continues, seek medical attention immediately
• If your symptoms get worse or last longer than one hour, seek medical attention immediately
Heat stroke:
• Symptoms of heat stroke include:
• High body temperature
• Hot, red, dry or moist skin
• Rapid and strong pulse
• Possible unconsciousness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
If you find yourself experiencing heat stroke:
• Call 911 immediately, this is an medical emergency
• Move the person to a cooler environment
• Reduce the person’s body temperature with cool cloths or even a bath
• Do NOT give fluids
Cooling stations:
Cooling stations will be available as reprieve from the heat and humidity during the emergency heat period. They will be available:
• Meijer on Hillcrest Avenue
• Wal-Mart on Bechtle Avenue
• Wal-Mart on Tuttle Road
• New Carlisle Public Library located at 111 E. Lake in New Carlisle
• All of the Clark County Public Libraries located at; 201 S. Fountain Ave. in Springfield, 1119 Bechtle Ave. in Springfield, 5 W. Jamestown St. in South Charleston and 209 Main St. in Enon.
• McDonalds located at 2133 S. Dayton-Lakeview Rd. in New Carlisle
• 3333 Lake Rd. in Medway in Bethel Township
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