Health Officials Warn Of Extreme Heat And Poor Air Quality Conditions: “Keeping Cool And Healthy On A Not So Cool Day”

(Salisbury, MD)  During these extreme heat conditions, the Wicomico County Health Department is encouraging residents to be careful, stay cool, and keep hydrated. While temperatures and heat indices rise to record breaking levels, so does the risk for heat related illness. Health Officials are asking residents to remain indoors in the air conditioning, during the advisory which is in effect today from 11 A.M. to 8 P.M.   

“The Health Department is working in conjunction with Emergency Management to monitor heat related illnesses and local power outages. A cooling center will be opened in the county should it be deemed appropriate,” says Lori Brewster, Health Officer for Wicomico County.

Infants, young children, young athletes, obese persons, those older than 65 years of age, and those persons with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or a mental illness are at highest risk for heat related illness. Family, friends, and neighbors who are at high risk will need extra help and residents should consider how they can help someone they know get to an air-conditioned place, if needed.

Heat rashes and muscle cramping are usually the first signs of heat related illness, and may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Here is how you recognize heat exhaustion and heat stroke and what to do:

Signs and Symptoms:

Heat Exhaustion                                                        Heat Stroke (medical emergency-call 911)

*Heavy sweating                                                          *High body temperature (above 103 degrees)

*Weakness                                                                  *Hot, red, dry or moist skin   

*Dizziness or Fainting                                                   *Rapid and strong pulse

*Nausea or vomiting                                                    *Possible unconsciousness

*Shortness of breath or trouble breathing                      *Confusion or disorientation

What to Do:

Heat Exhaustion: Move individual to a cooler location, lie them down and loosen clothing, offer small amounts of water to sip. If vomiting occurs, seek medical attention immediately.

Heat Stroke: Call 911 immediately – this is a 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.

Here are some additional tips offered by the Health Department, to help you and others stay healthy and cool during this extreme heat:

·         Stay indoors;

·         Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing;

·         Drink plenty of cool fluids without sugar, caffeine or alcohol;

·         If outdoors, schedule frequent water breaks.  In extreme heat or when exercising drink 2 – 4 glasses (16 – 32 oz.) each hour;

·         Avoid hot, spicy or heavy foods as they add heat to the body;

·         Limit using the stove or oven to keep the house cooler; 

·         Take a cool shower or bath;

·         Practice the buddy system.  Monitor co-workers if working outdoors, exercise with a partner, and check-in, at least twice a day, on anyone over age 65; 

·         Seek air-conditioned environments such as malls, libraries and cooling centers or shelters.

For local and updated cooling center information, facts on heat related illness, or additional tips on how to stay cool, visit the Wicomico County Health Department's website at www.wicomicohealth.org.