Summer has arrived with a vengeance. Although temperatures are a little cooler this weekend than they have been recently, the dangers presented by heat remain.
With that in mind, the Kansas Division of Emergency Management is urging everyone to monitor their local weather forecasts and offers some advise on beating the heat.
• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun;
• Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available;
• Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation;
• Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals;
• Drink plenty of water. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease, are on fluid-restricted diets, or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake;
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages;
• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothing that covers as much skin as possible;
• Protect head and face by wearing a wide-brimmed hat;
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, and who spend much of their time alone;
• Never leave children or pets alone on closed vehicles;
• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.
Kansans are also advised to keep an eye on friends and family, particularly children and the elderly, to watch for signs of heat-related problems:
• Sunburn: Redness and pain. In severe cases, swelling of skin, blisters, fever, and headaches.
• Heat Cramps: Painful spasms usually in muscles of the legs and abdomen possible. Heavy sweating.
• Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating, weakness, skin that is cold, clammy, and pale. Pulse thready. Normal temperature is possible. Fainting and vomiting.
• Heat Stroke (or sunstroke): High body temperature (106 degrees or higher). Hot, dry skin. Rapid and strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness.
Summer is a time of rest and relaxation, a time to get away and be outdoors. Don’t let Mother Nature ruin these experiences.
Keep your cool.
Dale Hogg