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storms and severe weather safety
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People with serious medical conditions as well as infants and seniors need to be extra careful when the temperature soars. Extreme heat and humidity can cause hyperthermia, which is the general term given to a variety of heat-related illnesses, such as sun stress or sunstroke. |
Here are some tips to help you avoid hyperthermia:
- Stay in an air conditioned room if possible. (Fans work, too, if
it's not a very humid day.)
- Drink plenty of liquids, such as water or juice. Avoid alcohol or caffeinated
beverages.
- Ventilate your rooms.
- Take plenty of baths or use cool compresses.
- Know some signs of heat-related illness: nausea, dizziness, weakness,
muscle cramps, pale and clammy skin, a throbbing headache, or disorientation.
When it's very hot, it's a good idea to check on friends and neighbors,
especially the elderly, to see if they're okay. If symptoms of weather-related
illnesses develop, seek immediate medical attention.
Whatever the season, storms can pose a danger to anyone. To prepare your
family for storms:
- Have a battery-powered radio and a supply of extra batteries handy.
- Fill spare containers with water for cooking and washing.
- Have flashlights available for every member of your household.
- Never touch or go near fallen wires, even if you think they are
safe.
- If you're in a car that comes in contact with a fallen wire, don't
get out of the car or attempt to move it. The rubber tires will provide
insulation to protect you until help arrives.
No matter what the weather, never use charcoal to cook indoors. It gives
off deadly carbon monoxide gas.
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