NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Tuesday, June 14, 2005 CONTACT: Rosanne Pack

3 p.m (302) 659-2210

(302) 222-6573

 

TIPS TO HELP AVOID HOT WEATHER HAZARDS

 

 

Delaware went from jacket weather to excessive heat almost overnight. The extreme heat hovering over the state has closed schools and caused everyone to seek air conditioned spaces whenever possible.

 

A break from high temperatures and heavy humidity for Delaware is forecast within the next few days, but no one thinks that this will be the last of oppressive, and perhaps dangerous, heat for the summer. Delaware Emergency Management Agency reminds residents and business people that special precautions should be taken to avoid illness and injury when high heat watches are posted.

 

Children, the elderly and persons with chronic ailments are most susceptible to heat-related illness. Any person experiencing heat exhaustion should immediately restrict outdoor activity or activity in an overheated confined space. A heat stroke is an emergency situation that can result in death and it requires immediate attention from medical personnel.

 

The following tips can be used as a guide to reducing risks and remaining safe during periods of high heat:

 

Never leave children or pets unattended in a closed car. Left in sunlight, the temperature in a vehicle, even with windows cracked, can exceed 100 degrees in a very short time. When temperatures are in the 90s, excessive heat in a closed car can also build up very rapidly even in a car that is shaded.

 

Eat well-balanced, light meals and drink plenty of water regularly. To encourage children to drink plenty of water or healthy drinks, fill plastic bottles with water or sugar-free drinks and place in the freezer for a frosty treat. Note: Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease, are on fluid-restrictive diets or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.

Make sure companion animals have access to plenty of fresh water.

 

Limit intake of alcoholic beverages. Although beer and alcohol beverages appear to satisfy thirst, they actually cause further body dehydration.

 

Dress in loose fitting clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing that reflects heat and sunlight and helps maintain normal body temperature. Check out clothing that acts as a sunscreen for children and adults.

 

Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat. Keeping direct sunlight off of the top of your head is very important. Infants and small children should always wear a hat when out in heat and bright sunlight.

 

Allow your body toget acclimated to hot temperatures for the first two or three days of a heat wave. Don’t rush into outdoor activities if you’ve been holed up in air conditioning. Reduce, eliminate, or reschedule strenuous activities.

Avoid too much sunshine. Sunburn slows the skin’s ability to cool itself. Use sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (sun protection factor) rating. Stay indoors as much as possible during extreme heat. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine.

Do not leave pets outdoors without adequate shade. If possible, bring them indoors. If you move pets into a garage, make sure there is ample air circulation.

 

Avoid extreme temperature changes. A cool shower immediately after coming in from hot temperatures can result in hypothermia, particularly for elderly and very young people.

 

Hang shades, draperies, awnings, or louvers on windows that receive direct sunlight. Outdoor awnings or louvers on windows or porches can reduce the heat entering a house by as much as 80 percent.

 

Conserve electricity. During periods of extreme heat, people tend to use a lot more power for air-conditioning, which can put a strain on power supplies and be a potential cause of brown-outs, rolling blackouts or outage. Window coverings will also keep heat out and allow you to set your thermostat slightly higher. When possible, use fans rather than air conditioning units. Try to restrict operation of high energy consuming appliances, such as clothes dryers and dishwashers to evening hours when there is less demand for air conditioning.

 

Vacuum or replace (as appropriate) air conditioner filters weekly during periods of high use.

 

Cool it in cool places. For fun and to get in out of the heat, take advantage of summer family movies or plan trips to museums or the library. Even an indoor shopping mall can give you a change in scene and a place to snack and shop.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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