Wicomico County Health Officials Provide Tips for Keeping Safe in Extreme Heat

(Salisbury, MD) A heat wave is expected to grip our region in the next few days. Temperatures will be in the upper 90 degrees with the heat index reaching over 100 degrees. 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 increased risk for a heat related illness. A heat-related illness can become life-threatening very quickly.

The Wicomico County Health Department urges everyone to practice these stay cool safety tips:

Seek air-conditioned environments such as malls, libraries and public places. Stay indoors.
Schedule outdoor activities before 10:00 am and after 6:00 pm.
Take a cool bath or shower.
Minimize direct exposure to the sun, if you must be outdoors, seek shade.
Stay hydrated – regularly drink water or other nonalcoholic fluids.
Eat light, cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads.
Limit using the stove or oven to keep the house cooler.
Check on others; co-workers, the elderly, and those living alone.
Wear loose fitting, light-colored clothes.
Bring pets indoors. If they must remain outside make sure they have shade and plenty of clean, fresh water.

"It is likely that a cooling center will open in Wicomico County tomorrow. The public will be notified as soon as information becomes available. For up to date information and stay cool tips, visit our website at www.wicomicohealth.org.” says Lori Brewster, Health Officer.