Clark County Combined Health District Issues Public
Health Heat Advisory
Maximum Heat Index Temperatures
Expected to Reach 105° or Higher
Clark County,
Ohio – The Clark County Combined Health District (CCCHD) is informing the public that the National Weather Service
in Wilmington has issued an Excessive Heat Watch, which is in effect from
Friday, July 19 through Saturday, July 20. Heat Index Values will be near or
above 105°F due to temperatures in the
mid-90s, and dewpoints in the mid-70s.
Extremely high or unusually hot temperatures can
affect your health. The people most
vulnerable include the elderly, those who work or exercise outdoors, infants
and children, the homeless and individuals with a chronic medical condition.
“Heat illness can surprise you. Early signs may be nausea,
general weakness, dizziness, headache, or extreme thirst,” said Charles
Patterson, Clark County Health Commissioner.
The CCCHD recommends that everyone pay particular attention to the
following suggestions:
Stay
cool
- Stay in air-conditioned
buildings.
- Do not rely on a fan as
your primary cooling device. Use air conditioning if available.
- Limit outdoor activity,
especially midday when it is the hottest part of the day, and avoid
direct sunlight.
- Wear loose, lightweight,
light-colored clothing.
- Take cool showers or baths
to lower your body temperature.
- Adjust blinds, shades, and awnings to
keep out the sun.
- Check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors at
least twice a day.
- Children and pets should not be left unattended
in closed vehicles. Temperatures can reach
dangerous levels rapidly.
Stay hydrated
·
Drink more water than
usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
·
Drink two to four cups
of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
·
Avoid alcohol or liquids
containing high amounts of sugar.
·
Make sure your family, friends and neighbors are drinking enough
water
Additionally, public health officials encourage all residents to learn
the signs and first aid response for heat-related illness. According to the CDC
warning signs and symptoms vary but may include:
Heat Exhaustion Symptoms
·
Heavy sweating
·
Weakness or tiredness
·
Skin cold, pale, and clammy
·
Weak pulse
·
Nausea or vomiting
·
Muscle cramps
·
Dizziness or fainting
·
Headache
What You Should Do for Heat Exhaustion
·
Move to a cooler location.
·
Lie down and loosen your clothing.
·
Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of your body as possible.
·
Sip water.
·
If you have vomited and it continues, seek medical attention
immediately.
·
If your symptoms get worse or last longer than one hour, seek
medical attention immediately
Heat Stroke Symptoms
·
High body temperature (above 103°F)
·
Hot, red, dry or moist skin
·
Rapid and strong pulse
·
Possible unconsciousness
·
Headache
·
Dizziness
·
Nausea
·
Confusion
What You Should Do for Heat Stroke
·
Call 911 immediately — this is a medical emergency.
·
Move the person to a cooler environment.
·
Reduce the person's body temperature with cool cloths or even a
bath.
·
Do NOT give fluids.