Heat Stress Alert
Heat Stess Alert
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What:
Heat stress is an illness
caused by heat
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Where:
Outdoors – in the sun
Indoors – Hot rooms
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When:
Temperatures - 90°F
or higher
Humidity above 60%
Who’s at risk:
Persons with chronic problems: Heart or kidney failure, Diarrhea Infection or Fever,
Drinking alcohol, Some Medications Reduced sweating, Overweight or underweight, Diabetes
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Mild & Moderate
Warning Signs
Mild:
Decreased energy
Slight loss of appetite, nausea
Lightheadedness
Moderate:
Heavy sweating, thirst, faintness,
giddiness, headache, confusion
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Treatment
Get person into cool place
Give more -uids to drink
Remove excess clothing
Rest
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Serious Signs
Throbbing headache
Mental confusion
Irritability, combativeness
Rapid heartbeat, dicult in
breathing
Dry Skin (no sweating)
Vomiting, diarrhea
Muscle Cramps, staggering
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Treatment
Call 9-1-1
This is a medical emergency
How to Reduce your Risk
•Drink plenty of water
•Wear light colored, lightweight, loose
clothing (cotton/synthetic blends are
best)
•Wear a wide-brimmed hat, or use an
umbrella for shade
•Spend time in air-conditioned areas
(senior center, mall)
•Take extra cool baths and showers, and
sprinkle yourself with water
•Keep windows open
•Use insulated drapes; keep blinds/shades
closed during daylight hours
•Use fan, but only when there is cool air
blowing
•Don’t engage in vigorous activity in the
heat of the day
•Don’t travel outside in the heat of the day
•Don’t wear dark, nylon clothing that is
tight
•Don’t drink alcohol or beverages containing
caffeine (coffee, tea, soda)
•Don’t eat hot, heavy foods
•Don’t increase salt or potassium intake or
take salt tablets without doctor’s okay
•Don’t use a fan to blow extremely hot air
on yourself
Prepared by the Delaware County Offce of Services for the Aging
steve! over @ claymont ncc delaware
