Heat-Related Illnesses And How To Avoid Them

People suffer heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to compensate and properly cool themselves. The body normally cools itself by sweating. But under some conditions, sweating just isn't enough. In such cases, a person's body temperature rises rapidly. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs. Below are actions you can take to protect yourself, your family and neighbors during our excessively hot months.

Stay Cool

When Outdoors

clothing

Dress Appropriately. If you need to spend time outdoors, wear:

  • lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing.
  • sunglasses to protect your eyes.
  • a hat or use an umbrella to protect your head.

Take special care with infants and young children who are especially vulnerable to the heat and ensure they’re wearing:

  • loose, cool clothing
  • hats or use an umbrella to shade their heads and faces
  • shoes to protect their feet

sunscreen

Apply sunscreen that is SPF 15 or higher at least 30 minutes prior to going out and remember to keep reapplying.

outdoor worker

When working outside, take the following precautions:

  • Take frequent breaks.
  • Try to work during the early morning hours.
  • If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, stop all activity. Get into a cool area or at least in the shade, and rest, especially if you become lightheaded, confused, weak, or faint.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Cover your head and wear appropriate clothing.

hiker

Hikers need to take extra precautions during the summer months. The City of Phoenix has a great program to educate the public about how to prevent heat related illness when they're hiking.

  • They rescue more than 200 hikers every year, often related to heat.
  • The "Take a Hike. Do it Right" campaign posts signs at many trailheads reminding people to watch the weather, stay hydrated, hike with others, carry a phone and be aware that certain chronic illnesses like diabetes or heart disease can make people more vulnerable to heat.
  • The City of Phoenix actually passed an ordinance that you can't take a dog hiking when the temperature is over 100 degrees.

When Indoors

air conditioning

  • If you’re at home and indoors with high temperatures, wear as little clothing as possible.
  • Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperatures hit the high 90s, they will not prevent heat-related illness!
  • Stay in air conditioned space; if your home isn't then go to a shopping mall or public library nearby. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back out into the heat.
  • Take frequent cool baths or showers, but do not take a shower immediately after becoming overheated - you may cool down too quickly and feel ill or dizzy.

Stay Hydrated

drinking water

Water is the best fluid to drink, and it is important to consume water even when you are not thirsty. Continue to drink fluids even after strenuous activity. This will enable the body to maintain optimum hydration and help prevent the aftereffects of heat exposure such as headaches and fatigue.

  • Avoid: 
    • liquids with large amounts of sugar, alcohol or caffeine products as they may dehydrate you further.
    • very cold beverages as they cause stomach cramps.
    • salt tablets, unless directed by your doctor. Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body. These are necessary for your body and must be replaced.
    • some medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, may increase the risk of heat-related illness. Consult your physician if you have questions.

Check on Others

checking on child in carseat

  • Check on your neighbors to ensure they have access to air conditioning and enough water. 
  • Check your car before locking. Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle! 

Stay Informed

weather alert on phone

Recognize the Signs of Heat-Related Illness

Heat Illness Signs FlyerWho's at Risk?

Everyone! Although anyone can potentially be at risk during our summer heat season, children, elderly and animals are extremely susceptible to heat illnesses.

Other high risk persons include those who are:

  • experiencing homelessness
  • ill and/or on certain medications
  • using substances
  • overweight
  • working outdoors (adults and young adults)
  1. Heat Stroke
  2. Heat Exhaustion
  3. Heat Cramps
  4. Heat Rash

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. The body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.

Warning Signs

Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include the following:

  • An Extremely High Body Temperature (Above 103°F)
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Rapid, Strong Pulse
  • Red, Hot and Dry Skin (No Sweating)
  • Throbbing Headache
  • Unconsciousness

What to Do

If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim. Do the following:

  • Get the victim to a shady area.
  • Cool the victim rapidly, using whatever methods you can. For example, immerse the victim in a tub of cool water; place the person in a cool shower; spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose; sponge the person with cool water; or if the humidity is low, wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously.
  • Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102°F.
  • If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for further instructions.
  • Do not give the victim alcohol to drink.
  • Get medical assistance as soon as possible.