Summer is officially upon us – the sun is shining, outdoor activities abound, and the days end later. With this summer fun comes a need to be aware of heat safety.
The CDC and National Weather Service have developed a Heat Risk Tool that allows you to look up heat risk by ZIP code and categorizes heat risk in five groups: little to none, minor, moderate, major and extreme. The tool also provides actions you can take to protect your health.
Infants, children, older adults, and individuals with chronic medical conditions are at highest risk for heat-related conditions including heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
You can use the tips below to beat the heat and help you develop a heat action plan:
- Drink plenty of water!
- Dress in lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- Wear a hat and sunglasses.
- Wear sunscreen with an SFP of 15 or higher.
- Limit your time outdoors, take breaks often, and find air-conditioned places to cool off.
- Do outdoor activities when temperatures are lower (before 11 a.m. or after 6 p.m.).
- Review your medications that may place you at risk for heat-related illnesses and talk with your primary care provider about any concerns you have. Continue to take your medications as prescribed.
- Check on neighbors who are at higher risk of heat-related illness.
- Don’t leave yourself, kids, or pets inside closed, parked vehicles.
- Know the signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion and know when to seek medical attention.
For information to share with family, friends and colleagues, download our Sun Safety Poster.
Your new 21st Century Douglas County Health Department aims to do our part to sustain healthy Douglas County communities while encouraging you to take a proactive role in managing your own health. We are dedicated to keeping you informed to help you make informed decisions toward healthier lives, through collaborative partnerships and actions to affect upstream determinants of health. Visit our Health Department webpage for more information.