Summer Heat Protection

It is crucial to keep yourself and the others around you safe in the hot summer weather. High temperatures bring about activities and events that tend to be outside. But being outside in the heat is the first step towards heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and other heat related illnesses and injuries.

Specific groups of people are at a higher risk of heat-related injuries because they are unable to properly cool themselves down. These groups would include:

• Young children
• Older adults
• People with chronic medical conditions

Higher temperatures can create higher ozone levels. For people with lung disease or asthma, this could prove particularly dangerous. The US Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality Index to predict the quality of the air. And high humidity keeps your body from releasing heat as fast as it may need to.

To protect yourself and your loved ones from the heat, follow the rules listed below. The are recommended by the American Red Cross.

• Stay in an air-conditioned indoor location as much as possible.
• Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel like you need it.
• When participating in outdoor activities, wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and lots of sunscreen.
• Take cool showers and baths to cool your body temperature.
• Check in on the people around you, have someone do the same for you.
• Never leave pets or children in the car.
• If you or others are feeling very hot, stop what you’re doing and cool down.

Staying Safe in Hot Weather

Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are two very common heat related illnesses. Watch for signs of these in the people around you. If you notice any of the signs, get medical help for them immediately.

Heat stroke signs:

• High body temperature
• Red, hot, dry skin (no sweating)
• Rapid strong pulse
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness, confusions
• Nausea
• Passing out

Heat stroke treatment:

• Move victim to a shady cool or indoor area, do not give them fluids
• Cool their body temperature. Cool or room temperature water (hose, shower, bath, sponging) can help this. Do not use cold water.

Heat exhaustion signs:

• Heavy sweating
• Paleness
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Dizziness, headache
• Nausea, vomiting
• Fainting

Heat exhaustion treatment:

• Cool beverages
• Rest
• Cool water (hose, sponge bath, bath, shower) will lower their body temperature. Once again, do not use cold water.

For more information visit our Hard Hat Training Series. We provide training courses such as; Making Summer Safety a Priority, that provide more in-depth information on the topic of high temperatures and safety. Goodluck out there!