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hot weather/heat wave tips
When temperatures rise, staying cool is the key to staying healthy and comfortable. The following information can help you stay safe:
- Hyperthermia is the general name given to several heat-related illnesses, including heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps.
- Two forms of hyperthermia — heat exhaustion and heat stroke — are particularly dangerous. Heat stroke is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
- Normally, the body cools itself by sweating, but sometimes sweating isn't enough and the body’s temperature rises rapidly to a dangerously high level.
- Hyperthermia can affect anyone, but infants and the elderly are particularly at risk. (See our Hyperthermia: A Hot-Weather Hazard for Older People brochure)
- Know the signs of heat stroke: an extremely high body temperature; red, hot, and dry skin; rapid, strong pulse; headache, and dizziness.
- To prevent hyperthermia:
- Stay in areas that are cool, well-ventilated or air conditioned.
- Drink plenty of water or fruit juice. Avoid caffeinated beverages.
- Wear light-colored, lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
- When outdoors, wear a hat or use an umbrella for shade.
- If you have to remain in the sun for extensive periods, protect your skin with sun block.
For more hot weather safety tips, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site, www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat.
During hot weather, customers can reduce their use of electricity by following these simple energy-saving steps:
- When using an air conditioner, set the thermostat no lower than 78 degrees. Each degree lower increases cooling costs by six percent. Turn it off when you leave your home, and use a timer to pre-set it for 30 minutes before you return.
- If possible, use a fan instead of an air conditioner in a well-ventilated area. Fans use 70 to 90 percent less electricity than air conditioners.
- Turn off unused, non-essential appliances, including televisions and computers that are on “stand-by” mode. Even though they are not “on,” TVs and PCs still draw power.
- Use the energy saver option on your dishwasher. Operate dishwashers, washing machines and dryers with full loads, early in the morning or late at night.
- Close shades or blinds to prevent the sun from adding more heat to the room.
Con Edison publishes informational brochures for the safety and convenience of our customers. They include In Case of a Storm, Life-Sustaining Equipment Survey, Hyperthermia, Electric Safety: What You Need to Know, and A Message About Gas Safety.
To view these brochures and to get information on how to order single copies, click here.
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