winterbadger | EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING for the DC area

The National Weather Service has issued an EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING for the DC area until 10pm tonight. Heat index expected to reach around 110 this afternoon. Below are some tips on surviving the heat.

County Offers Tips on Surviving the Heat

With summer heat in full swing, Montgomery County health officials are encouraging residents to find places where they can stay cool, and to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.

Libraries, recreation centers and pools are good places to cool off, along with shopping malls and movie theaters. To quickly find the location of public facilities, go to http://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mymontgomery and type in your location. The website includes the locations of pools, parks, libraries, regional services center, recreation centers, Metro stations, hospitals and golf courses. Residents with questions about specific locations and hours of operation should call 311.

Those most at risk for heat-related illnesses are young children, the elderly, and people with health problems such as asthma, who are susceptible to heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke and exhaustion.
By taking the following precautions, residents can remain safe and comfortable during the hot days of summer:

• Stay indoors, whenever possible. Be careful to avoid strenuous activities that can result in overexposure to the sun, such as sports and gardening. If you must do a strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning before 9 a.m. Visit nearby air-conditioned buildings in your community if your home is not air-conditioned. These may include senior centers, movies theaters, libraries and shopping malls. Elderly or disabled residents in need of a free fan should call 311 for more information.

• When outdoors, wear proper protection from the sun. Light-colored clothing, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen protection are recommended.

• Drink plenty of water. Dehydration, cramps, exhaustion or heat stroke can result from not drinking enough fluids. Water is the safest liquid to drink. Avoid drinks containing alcohol or caffeine.

• Never leave pets or young children in a car, even with the windows cracked. Check frequently on elderly relatives or neighbors and other at-risk individuals. Watch for signs of heat-related illness such as hot, dry skin; confusion; hallucinations; and aggression.

Knowing the symptoms of heat exposure can prevent serious heat illness from becoming life threatening. Should any of the following occur, get out of the heat, loosen any tight or heavy clothing, and drink plenty of water: Drink plenty of water. Dehydration, cramps, exhaustion or heat stroke can result from not drinking enough fluids. Water is the safest liquid to drink. Avoid drinks containing alcohol or caffeine.

• Heat cramps: symptoms include painful muscle spasms, usually involving the abdominal muscles or legs;

• Heat exhaustion: first signs are cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, dizziness, nausea, headache and weakness; and

• Heat stroke: the most serious sign of overexposure. Symptoms include red, hot, dry skin, weak pulse, rapid breathing, and changes in consciousness. Seek emergency medical attention by calling 911.