EXTREME HEAT: STAY SAFE, STAY HEALTHY

Wicomico County Health Department Offers Extreme Heat Safety Tips

(Salisbury, MD) Over the next few days, heat indices are expected to soar to over 100 degrees. Health officials are reminding residents to be cautious during these periods of extreme heat conditions. Lori Brewster, Health Officer for Wicomico County is urging residents to “Be diligent about health and safety by staying cool and keeping hydrated.” Individuals, as well as animals, exposed to extreme heat conditions may quickly develop a heat-related illness which can become life-threatening, if not properly treated. 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.

The Wicomico County Health Department is offering these tips to help residents stay safe and healthy in the heat:

Keep hydrated. Drink plenty of cool fluids without sugar, caffeine or alcohol.

Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library.
Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
NEVER leave anyone, including children or pets, alone in a vehicle.
Know the signs and symptoms of heat related illnesses.
Check on the elderly and those “at-risk” at least twice a day and monitor for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children need much more frequent watching.
Limit using the stove or oven to keep the house cooler.

“Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death” says Lori Brewster, Wicomico County Health Officer. “If your home is not air-conditioned, go to any public facility such as the mall or library to seek relief.”