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    Aug 02
    Blog: Staying Safe When It’s Really, Really Hot

    Never does snow sound more delightful than on days when you could roast your dinner on the sidewalk. We’ve already had some dangerously hot days, and it’s just the beginning of August! Local humidity has been high, too, and high heat combined with high humidity can be quite dangerous. Extreme Heat

    In Saratoga Hospital’s role as a Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador™ through the National Weather Service, we encourage you to read through these heat safety tips, even if you’ve seen a list like this before. Extreme heat can be life-threatening, so this important information bears repeating and sharing.

    Tips to keep you safe in extreme heat: 
    •    Prepare your home, such as with weather stripping, drapes, and window units,
    •    Drink plenty of water,
    •    Use attic fans to circulate hot air out,
    •    Don’t use indoor fans when temperatures climb above 89 degrees,
    •    Keep handy a list of places in the community to cool down when out and about, 
    •    Drink lots of fluids,
    •    Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing,
    •    Protect eyes and skin with sunblock, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats,
    •    Avoid strenuous activities,
    •    Stay hydrated, 
    •    Regularly refresh your pet’s water, and
    •    Learn the signs of heat illnesses.

    Signs of heat cramps and heat exhaustion include: 
    •    Stomach, arm, or leg muscle pain or spasms, 
    •    Heavy sweating,
    •    Paleness,
    •    Headache, 
    •    Nausea, or
    •    Weakness or fainting.
    In these cases, get inside to air conditioning, loosen or take off clothes, drink water, sip cool sports drinks that contain salt and sugar, and take a cool bath. If symptoms persist more than an hour or get worse, seek medical attention. 

    Signs of heat stroke include: 
    •    103 degrees or higher oral body temperature, 
    •    Red, hot, and dry skin with no sweat,
    •    Rapid, strong pulse,
    •    Dizziness, confusion or unconsciousness.
    Don’t wait – call 911 right away. Cool down any way you can until help arrives.

    Watch the news for heat alerts and outside temperatures. Cars can quickly become an oven on any warm day, heat wave or not. Never leave people or pets in your car when it’s warm outside. Remember to check on your elderly or disabled neighbors, as well as those with very young children. And definitely don’t forget to take care of yourself. Did we mention, drink water?

    For further information, please visit Ready.gov, the American Red Cross, CDC feature topics, or CDC disaster preparedness, or the National Weather Service. Here’s where you can learn more about Saratoga Hospital’s urgent and emergent care and emergency services.