Agencies Urge Caution, Offer Tips for Avoiding Heat-Related Illness

Agencies across Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan are urging you to exercise extreme caution in this heat wave.

The Ohio EMA offers the following information:

During Extreme Heat:

• Know the signs of a heat-related illness: heavy sweating, cramps, exhaustion, headaches, dizziness, nausea, and/or a fast heart rate.
• Stay inside with air conditioning; avoid relying on fans alone.
• If you do not have air conditioning, call 2-1-1 or your county's EMA for cooling center locations.
• Stay hydrated by regularly drinking water or electrolyte-enhanced fluids.
• Wear loose, light-colored clothing and wide-brimmed hats.
• If working outdoors, stay in the shade as long as possible and take breaks often.
• Avoid being outside during peak sun between 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Check on vulnerable neighbors.

Pet & Vehicle Safety

• Keep pets inside with air conditioning or in a shaded, cool location outdoors.
• Ensure your pets are hydrated by keeping plenty of fresh, clean water in a shaded area.
• Move shaded areas as the sun shifts.
• Be mindful of how hot pavement can burn the bottom of an animal’s paws.
• Know how to recognize heat stroke symptoms in animals such as excessive panting, drooling, and lethargy.
• Never leave pets or people in parked cars—they heat up rapidly

• -Use sun protection to minimize sun exposure
• -Drink plenty of water. With the rise in temperature, the body sweats more and needs extra water.
• -Pack salty snacks to keep electrolyte levels up.
• -Wear lightweight and loose clothing.
• -Call 211 for local resources
  
  Heat Exhaustion Symptoms and First Aid
  
  Symptoms to be on the lookout for: excessive sweating, rapid and weak pulse, muscle cramps, nausea, weakness, or clammy skin. If you experience any of these symptoms, follow these steps.
• -Move to a cooler location out of the sunlight
• -Lie down and loosen your clothing
• -Apply cool, wet cloth to as much of your body as possible to lower your body temperature.
• -Sip water slowly
  
  Heat Stroke Symptoms and First Aid
  
  Symptoms to be on the look out for: Throbbing headache, confusion, no sweating, hot and dry skin, nausea, vomiting, rapid and strong pulse, or possible loss of consciousness. If you or someone is experiencing any of these symptoms, follow these steps.
• -Call 911 immediately
• -Move the person to a cooler environment
• -Do not give fluids
• -Use cool cloth or a bath to lower the person's body temperature
• -Do not use ice directly on the skin; cover with either cloth or other barrier.