With the heat index expected to reach 100 degrees this weekend across the Raccoon Valley Radio listening area, it’s important to be aware of heat related illness.

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 39% of heat related deaths occur in the month of July alone. Heat exhaustion can look as insignificant as a headache or excessive sweating, but can rapidly escalate to heat stroke if not managed properly. The CDC says common signs of heat stroke are rapid pulse, confusion, and loss of consciousness. If someone does start to experience these symptoms, call 911 immediately and move them to a cool place as quickly as possible. 

 

Dallas County Public Health Information Officer Ann Cochran says COVID-19 has impacted resources commonly used to help during the high heat, “Many public spaces are closed right now. So it’s difficult to send people to the public library, mall, or whatever to cool off. I would advise anyone to think through things like going down into the lower level, in the basement. If you don’t have a basement, there’s always a tried and true, if you’re feeling warm to fill a shallow dishpan, or something like that, with water. Not freezing cold, but just tepid water, and put your feet in it. That will cool down your body temperature.” Cochran also emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated. If you’re going to be out and about in the heat, drink water before you leave so it’s easier to manage throughout the day.