FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June
21, 2018
Contact:
Mary Beer, Public Health Director
Telephone:
585-396-4343
Defeat
the Heat
#KeepCool
Hopewell-The Finger Lakes region is heating up. The CDC and Ontario County Public Health recommend residents take a few simple precautions to prevent heat-related injuries this summer.
Stay
cool. Avoid direct sunlight when you are outside and close your shades while indoors. Wear lightweight, light colored clothing. Try a cool bath or shower or a midday sponge bath. During a heat spell, don’t rely solely on a fan to keep you cool; seek out air-conditioned spaces like malls and public buildings. Finally, be aware of people at high risk for heat-related injuries and lend a helping hand. Check frequently on elderly or infirm family, friends and neighbors.
Stay
hydrated. Increase your water intake and don’t wait until you feel
thirsty, to drink. If working or playing outside, you will need 2-4 cups of
water an hour to keep your body temperature normal and to avoid dehydration. It is best to avoid sugary beverages, alcohol and caffeine. Remind family, friends and neighbors to drink plenty of water.
Stay
informed. Know the weather forecast and check for heat alerts when
planning outdoor chores and activities. Strenuous outdoor activities can wait
until a cooler days or cooler time of the day (early morning and later
evening). Learn the symptoms of heat-related illness. Dehydration starts with
thirst and progresses to headache, faintness and confusion, particularly in the
elderly. Heat exhaustion includes profuse sweating, cold clammy skin,
dizziness, nausea and muscle cramps. Heat stroke is life a threatening
emergency. Symptoms include hot, dry skin, confusion, seizures and loss of
consciousness. Call 911 if you suspect someone is experiencing heat stroke.
Enjoy summer in the Finger Lakes. Remember, extreme heat can affect your family, neighbors and even pets. Please look before you lock your car. Make sure there are no children in the back seat. During extreme heat, leave pets at home with plenty of water and a place to cool-off.
Residents needing financial assistance for fans and
air-conditioners, call the HEAP Cooling Assistance Program at Ontario County
Department of Social Services, 585-396-4061. This program is based on a medical
need.
Information in Spanish-Para información en español http://www.cdc.gov/extremeheat/espanol/index_esp.html