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. 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 Additional Resources: