The South East Texas Summer is upon us and that means long days at the beach or on the river, boating, fishing, camping, and working outside. With these fun activities comes the risk of heat stroke and other heat related illnesses that can easily be avoided with the right preventative measures.
Heat Stroke Prevention:
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the day.
- Take frequent breaks.
- Wear loose fitting, light weight, light colored clothing.
- Apply sunblock and wear a wide brimmed hate.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid soft drinks and alcohol.
- Eat smaller more frequent meals.
- Never leave children, adults, or pets in a closed parked vehicle.
Did you know that heat stroke kills approximately 400 Americans each year? That your body temperature can rise from 98 degrees to 100 degrees in just 3 minutes? Or that a young child’s core body temperature can increase 3 to 5 times faster than an adult causing permanent injury or even death? Seniors, Infants, children and those with medical conditions, especially those with heart disease and high blood pressure are at the highest risk.
If you suspect someone may be at immediate risk of heat stroke:- Call 911 immediately
- Move out of the heat and into the shade or indoors
- Loosen or remove clothing
- Apply wet cloths to the skin and ice packs to the wrists, ankles, underarms, and neck.
Protecting yourself, your children, your pets and other is extremely important in the Summer. By following the above tips you can keep Summer fun and safe for everyone in your family.
Additional Resources:
Bnbice.com: Safety Seminars
MedicineNet.com: Heat Exhaustion
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Extreme Heat
