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RED CROSS OFFERS LIFESAVING ADVICE FOR SUMMER HEAT

As summer heat grips the nation, the American Red Cross suggests a number of steps individuals can take to protect themselves and their families.

Protect Yourself

• Humidity and high temperatures can put stress on our bodies. Minimize this impact by staying cool, staying inside and staying hydrated by drinking lots of water.
• Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. Reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities. Get plenty of rest to allow the body's natural "cooling system" to work.
• When air conditioning is not available at home or through a cooling center, consider going to a mall, a movie or your local library for relief.

If you must be outside:

• Wear light-colored clothing.
• Drink water, even if you are not thirsty.
• Work in the morning, before it gets too hot.
• Take frequent break in a cool location, preferably indoors.

Watch your children and the elderly. Everyone is at risk when temperatures rise above 90 degrees, but the elderly and the very young are most susceptible to heat and heat-related illnesses.

• If there are elderly people in your neighborhood or building, please check on them to see if they have a way to staying cool during the hot days ahead.
• Never leave children or pets unattended in a parked car, even if you are just running in for a few minutes. Temperatures inside a car on a hot summer day can rise quickly threatening the lives of any living thing inside, especially young children.

Power Outages
Hot summer days mean increased energy use for air conditioning and can put a strain on power supplies. This creates the potential for temporary blackouts. Assemble essential supplies ahead of time:

• Flashlight (remember, due to the extreme risk of fire, candles should not be used during a power outage).
• Portable battery operated radio
• Extra batteries
• At least one gallon of water per person per day
• A small supply of food

Many people seek heat relief in pools, lakes and oceans. Be sure to follow these heat precautions even when out by the pool. Dehydration and extreme sunburn are still risks, even when you are in the water.

• Swim in supervised areas only.
• Obey all rules and posted signs.
• Don't mix alcohol and swimming. Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance, and coordination, affects your swimming and diving skills, and reduces your body's ability to stay warm.
• Pay attention to local weather conditions and forecasts, especially thunder and lightning storms. Stop swimming at the first indication of bad weather.