Don't Sweat It: Staying Safe in the Heat
Celebrate summer responsibly by putting these pointers into action:
- Drink plenty of water (avoid alcohol and sugary drinks). Don’t wait until you are thirsty!
- Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially those at risk for heat-related illness.
- Find air-conditioned places to cool off (such as our Cool Zones).
- NEVER leave kids or pets alone in a vehicle (EVEN if windows are cracked open).
If someone is showing signs of heat-related illness, call 9-1-1 and begin cooling the individual by:
- Moving them to a shaded area
- Spraying with cool water and fanning them
- Placing them in a cool shower if they are alert
- Monitoring the body temperature and continuing cooling efforts
- Do NOT give them fluids to drink
Humans are not the only ones impacted by hot weather! Keep an eye on your pets this summer, as exposure to extreme heat can also pose danger to animals.
- Exercise pets in early morning or evening hours to avoid prolonged exposure to the heat. Avoid strenuous runs or hikes.
- Be sure your pet has shade at all points of the day.
- Do not take your pets for car trips unless absolutely necessary. On an 85-degree day, a car can reach 102 degrees in 10 minutes and soar upward even with the windows cracked open.
- Don’t take your dogs for walks on the hot pavement. If it is too hot for you to walk barefoot, then don’t make your dogs do it either.
Click here to explore more heat safety best practices.
