Hot Weather Safety Tips

HOT WEATHER SAFETY TIPS

Extreme heat happens when temperatures are much hotter and/or there is more humidity than normal. The following tips and links will help you and your loved ones stay safe during dangerous heat waves.
 • Stay indoors in air conditioning as much as possible.
 • Drink plenty of water during the day – don’t wait until you are thirsty!
 • Outdoor workers should drink between two and four cups of water every hour while working.
 • Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar.
 • Limit your outdoor activity to mornings and evenings and rest often in the shade.
 • Wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing, a hat, sunglasses and an SPF15 or higher sunscreen.
 • Check on those who may be more at-risk from high temperatures like:
         Infants and young children
         People aged 65 or older
         People with chronic medical conditions
 • Never leave your children or pets in a vehicle.
 • Know the following symptoms of heat stroke, a life-threatening, heat-related illness:
         An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
         Red, hot and dry skin (no sweating)
         Rapid, strong pulse
         Throbbing headache
         Dizziness
         Nausea
         Confusion
         Unconsciousness
 • If you think someone has heat stroke:
         Call for emergency medical attention
         Get the victim to a shady area
         Cool the person rapidly (put them in a tub of cool water, place them in a cool shower,                                                      spray them with a garden hose, sponge them with cool water, etc.)
         Do not give the victim any fluids (like water) to drink
 • Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion:
         Heavy sweating
         Paleness (skin is a lighter color than normal)
         Muscle cramps
         Tiredness
         Weakness
         Dizziness
         Headache
         Nausea or vomiting
         Fainting
 • Help the victim cool off and seek medical attention if:
         Symptoms are severe
         Symptoms last more than one hour
         The victim has heart problems or high blood pressure
During extremely hot weather, “cooling stations” may be opened across Pennsylvania for individuals without air conditioning. To find out if there are cooling stations opening in your area, please contact the appropriate agency below. You can click on each agency to open their websites.
   
 To learn more about staying safe during extremely hot weather,  click here