Residents Urged to Protect Against Extreme Heat

Posted on June 28th, 2012

As temperatures rise, Gwinnett, Newton, and Rockdale County Health Departments remind residents to take extra precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses or deaths.  The elderly, very young, and people with mental illness and chronic diseases are at higher risk for heat-related death or illness.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers the following tips for extreme heat exposure:

  • Know the signs for heat exhaustion: heavy sweating; paleness; muscle cramps; tiredness; weakness; dizziness; headache; nausea or vomiting; fainting; skin may be cool and moist; pulse rate fast and weak; breathing fast and shallow.  Heat stroke:  extremely high body temperature (above 103°F); red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating); rapid strong pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness and nausea.  Should these symptoms occur after exposure to heat, seek medical attention.
  • Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of activity level.  Do not wait until you are thirsty.  Do not drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar – they can cause the loss of body fluids.  Avoid very cold drinks-they can cause stomach cramps.
  • Stay indoors and, if possible, stay or go to an air-conditioned place.  Malls, recreation centers, and senior centers (when open) can be good options.
  • Electric fans may provide limited comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness.  Take a cool shower or bath to lower body temperature.
  • Wear lightweight, light colored, loose-fitting clothing.
  • Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
  • Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
  • Cut down on outdoor exercise.  If on a low-salt diet, talk with a doctor before drinking sports beverages.
  • Rest often in shady places.
  • Wear a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses.  Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.

All summertime activity, whether playing or working outside, should be monitored and balanced with actions that help keep the body cool.

The Salvation Army of Metro Atlanta is providing cooling stations and will distribute water and 500 free electric fans beginning Friday at 12PM at the following locations:

For guidance and information on the prevention of heat related illnesses, log-on to http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/