Riding a HEAT WAVE

When the Mercury Rises COOL OFF—AND STAY SAFE—WITH SIMPLE SUMMER SAFEGUARDS.

Heat exposure kills about 400 Americans a year. That’s more than hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes combined. When the first scorcher hits, take these precautions:

• Drink cool water continuously, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which will dehydrate you. Also avoid very cold drinks, which can cause stomach cramps.

• Eat smaller, light meals and eat more frequently. Foods high in protein increase metabolic heat. Also, don’t take salt tablets unless advised by your doctor.

• Wear loose, light-colored, lightweight clothes. Outdoors, don a wide-brimmed hat and apply sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes before going out.

• Stay indoors in air-conditioning when possible, and limit sun exposure. Although electric fans provide some relief, they won’t protect against heat-related illnesses when temperatures jump into the high 90s.

• Avoid strenuous activities. If you must work outside, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Try to limit outdoor activity to morning and evening.

• Never leave people or pets in a closed, parked vehicle, even for a moment. In a locked car sitting in the summer sun, temperatures can climb from 78 to 100 degrees in just three minutes, and to 125 degrees in six to eight minutes.

• Check on family members and neighbors who are most susceptible. Although anyone can suffer a heat-related illness, infants, children and the elderly are at greater risk.

• Cool off at a mall or emergency shelter. A few hours in air-conditioning can help your body when you go back into the heat.

When the Mercury Rises
IN YOUR CAR
In a locked car sitting in the summer sun, temperatures can climb from 78 to 100 degrees in just three minutes, and to 125 degrees in six to eight minutes. Park in the shade, use air-conditioning (it’s less fatiguing than driving with the noise and turbulence of wind through open win- dows) and keep extra water and a cell phone on hand for emergencies.

AT HOME
Follow these suggestions from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Red Cross.

• Leave storm windows on year-round, and close your fireplace damper.

• Weather-strip windows and doors. Insulate around a window air- conditioner for a snug fit.

• Install outdoor awnings or louvers, which can reduce the heat entering the house by up to 80 percent. Also, block sun with curtains or blinds.

Recognizing the Signs

Heat-related illness is cumulative. It begins with heat cramps and can advance to heat exhaustion and sunstroke. Prevent problems by learning these progressive symptoms.

1. HEAT CRAMPS. Signs include painful muscle cramps and spasms, usually in the stomach and legs. Treatment: Sip water or a sports drink, and gently stretch and massage the cramped muscle.

2. HEAT EXHAUSTION. Look for cool, moist, pale, flushed or red skin; headache, dizziness, weakness or exhaustion; and nausea or vomiting. The skin may or may not feel hot. Treatment: Rest in a cool place, loosen clothing, apply wet cloths and slowly drink a half glass of water every 15 minutes (no alcohol or caffeine).

3. HEATSTROKE OR SUNSTROKE. Symptoms include hot, red and dry

skin; decreased alertness or loss of consciousness; rapid, weak pulse and rapid, shallow breathing; vomiting; and very high temperature. Can cause brain damage and death. Treatment: Call 911. Fan and wrap the person in wet sheets. Wrap ice packs in cloths and place them on wrists, ankles, armpits and neck. Do not administer fluids.

For more details about heat-related illness, visit www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.asp

Source: www.libertymutualinsurance.com