HOT, HOT, HOT: With heat and humidity expected all week, we wanted to remind our readers to take steps to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Today in Bradford, the National Weather Service office in State College is calling for a chance of showers and thunderstorms and high temps reaching 91 degrees.
We found some ways for our readers on how to stay safe in the summer heat on the National Weather Services’ website:
• Do fewer activities, and plan strenuous chores for cooler times of day
• Wear lightweight, loose clothing
• Don’t eat large, hot meals. It’s a great time of year for fruits or salads
• Stay hydrated. Don’t drink alcoholic or caffeinated beverages, and don’t drink water that’s too cold
• Spend time in air-conditioned places, or use fans to bring cool air into rooms or move hot air out of rooms
• Don’t sit right in front of the fan when it’s hotter than 90 degrees — it will dehydrate you
• Avoid sunburns
• Take a cool shower or bath
• Don’t take salt tablets unless your doctor tells you to do so
• Keep rooms well ventilated when using volatile chemicals
• Don’t leave electronic equipment in hot vehicles
We can’t emphasize this enough: make sure to keep an eye children and pets — they won’t always be able to tell you if they not feeling well. Also, check on elderly or sick neighbors and relatives.
We think this weather is a perfect excuse to take it easy. Your health is more important than those Monday chores that are taunting you.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say to watch for these symptoms if you are worried about heat-related illnesses: high body temperature; red, dry, clammy, damp or hot (or cold!) skin; fast pulse; headache; dizziness; nausea or vomiting; confusion; loss of consciousness; muscle cramps; tiredness or weakness; heavy sweating; or skin blisters.
If you think someone is suffering from heat stroke, call 911 right away.
