Stay Safe in the Heat!

With incredible temperatures here for another few days it is important to take care of yourself and your loved ones. Please remember to stay hydrated and check on your friends and neighbors to make sure they also have plenty of water and access to air conditioning.

If you need help locating a cooling center, the state’s 2-1-1 phone line is always open and available 24/7 to answer questions or point you toward a center in your area. You can also find a list of cooling centers on the 2-1-1 website.

The state Department of Public Health maintains a list of tips on ways to beat the heat, including wearing light colored clothing, staying indoors as much as possible, pacing yourself, staying hydrated and much more.  For a full list, please go to the DPH website.

More Tips to Avoid the Heat (from Ready.gov)

• Find air conditioning.
• Avoid strenuous activities.
• Wear light clothing.
• Check on family members and neighbors.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Never leave people or pets in a closed car.

HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN EXTREME HEAT THREATENS

Try to keep your home cool:

• Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
• Cover windows with drapes or shades.
• Weather-strip doors and windows.
• Use window reflectors such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard to reflect heat back outside.
• Add insulation to keep the heat out.
• Use a powered attic ventilator, or attic fan, to regulate the heat level of a building’s attic by clearing hot air.
• Install window air conditioners and insulate around them.
• Learn to recognize the signs of heat illness. For more information visit: www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html

If you or anyone you know is suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke and needs emergency medical assistance, please call 9-1-1 immediately!