COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – With the anticipated heat and high heat index expected for the next few days, officials with the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency say drinking enough fluids is one of the most important things you can do to prevent heat illness and water is generally the best choice for keeping the body hydrated and healthy.
An Excessive Heat Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service from 12:00 p.m. Tuesday until 12:00 a.m. Thursday.
“During the first days of high heat we experienced in May, the area saw an increase in the number of heat related illness emergency room visits. Proper planning for the expected heat can reduce your risk of heat related illness,” says Dr. Karen Luparello, Medical Director.
The health department says you can reduce your risk for heat related illness by:
· Dressing in loose fitting, light weight, light colored clothing.
· Staying hydrated with plenty of water.
· Keeping strenuous activity to a minimum during the hottest parts of the day (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
· Staying indoors and in the shade. Keep curtains and shades drawn to keep the sun out of your home.
· Going to a local cooling center if you do not have air conditioning in your home.
· Preparing for potential loss of power due to weather and high demand for electricity.
The BHSJCHA also reminds looking before you lock to ensure small children are not in the back seat of your vehicle. The anticipated heat can cause severe illness and death in a short period of time if left in a hot car. If you see a child left in a vehicle, call 9-1-1 and do whatever is needed to get the child from the vehicle until help arrives.
The signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, skin that is cold, pale, clammy, a fast, weak pulse, nausea or vomiting, muscle or abdominal cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness and headache.
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