Hot Weather Tips

Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses

Clevelanders can experience the challenges of extremely hot temperatures in the summer months.  When the thermometer rises, take these important steps to stay cool and safe:

• Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. 
• Avoid alcoholic beverages and sugar-filled drinks.  They can actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
• Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library–even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.  
• Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
• Take special care to protect seniors, children and those who are physically or mentally ill.  These people may be more at risk for heat-related illnesses.  

Source: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

Cold Weather Tips

Visit the Extreme Cold Prevention Guide for important health and safety information for the winter. 

• Prepare your home

  • If you plan to use a fireplace or wood stove for emergency heating, have your chimney or flue inspected each year and install a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector in the area

  • Insulate your home by adding weather-stripping and storm doors/windows

  • Bring pets indoors. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and have access to unfrozen water

• Prepare your car

  • Replace worn tires and check air pressure

  • Check and replace antifreeze and windshield-wiper fluid if needed

  • Have a blanket, road maps, flashlight with extra batteries, and booster cables stored in your car

• Hypothermia

  • Hypothermia occurs at very cold temperatures but can even occur at cool temperatures (above 40°F) if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat or submersion in cold water.

  • Warning signs of Hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness

  • If you notice any of these signs take the person’s temperature. Anything below 95°F is an emergency. Get them to a warm shelter, remove any wet clothing, and provide them with warm beverages

• Frostbite

  • Frostbite will cause redness or pain on the skin in the beginning. As it progresses it will turn to a white or grayish-yellow color and your skin will feel unusually firm or waxy

  • If you notice any of these signs, get into a warm room as soon as possible and immerse the affected area in warm-not hot-water or warm the affected area using body heat.

• Eat and drink wisely – Eating well balanced meals will help you stay warmer

  • Stay away from alcoholic and caffeinated beverages as they cause your body to lose heat more rapidly

Source: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention