Beat the Heat this Summer in San Diego

8/23/2019 (Permalink)

When temperatures rise in San Diego, so do health and safety risks. But there are simple steps to take that can help keep you and your pets safe.

To avoid heat-related problems, health officials recommend the following:

• Stay in an air-conditioned area during the hottest hours of the day
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing
• Drink plenty of water (avoid alcohol and sugary drinks) and don’t wait until you are thirsty
• Take cool showers
• Never leave a child or pet unattended in a car.
• Avoid unnecessary hard work or activities outside during the hottest part of the day
• Avoid unnecessary sun exposure and wear a wide-brim hat if you need to be in the sun
• Avoid using the oven to cook

Elderly people (65 years and older), infants and children, and people with disabilities or chronic medical conditions are more prone to heat stress. People with elderly relatives or neighbors should check on the well-being of the older persons.

An extremely high body temperature (103 or higher), dizziness, nausea, confusion, and headache are signs of heat stroke or exhaustion. If someone shows these signs, call 9-1-1 and begin cooling the individual by:

• Moving them to a shaded area
• Spraying with cool water and fanning them
• Placing them in a cool shower if they are alert
• Monitoring the body temperature, and continue cooling efforts
• Do not give the victim fluids to drink

Call 211 in San Diego for information on "cool zones".

Source: countynewscenter.com