With temperatures expected to hover near or above 90 degrees over the next several days, Atlantic County health officials remind residents to take precautions to avoid heat-related illness.
Heat-related illness, also known as hyperthermia, is a condition that results from exposure to extreme heat where the body becomes unable to properly cool and there is a rapid rise in body temperature, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
People suffering heatstroke can go from appearing normal to extremely ill in a matter of minutes. Victims may have hot, dry skin, a high body temperature of 106 degrees or more, an absence of sweat, and a rapid and strong pulse. Victims may become delirious or unconscious. Persons suffering from heatstroke need immediate medical attention.
Heat exhaustion is a milder illness that may take several days of high temperatures to develop. Victims may have pale, clammy skin and sweat profusely. They may feel tired, weak, or dizzy and have headaches or sometimes cramps, but their body temperature will remain close to normal.
To avoid health complications from excessive heat:
- Drink plenty of water or non-alcoholic beverages, even if not feeling thirsty.
- Wear loose and light-colored clothing.
- Make sure children, elderly and persons with mobility issues are drinking water and have access to fluids.
- Don’t leave children, elderly persons, disabled persons, or pets in an enclosed car – not even for a minute – as temperatures can quickly climb to dangerous levels.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about any medicine or drugs you are taking to ensure you are not at increased risk for heat-related illness.
- Avoid any outdoor activity during the hottest hours of the day; reschedule to cooler times of day as able.
- Check on elderly relatives and neighbors to see if they need help taking proper heat precautions.
- Make sure pets have plenty of water and shade.
- Spending just a few hours a day in an air-conditioned place may help individuals, particularly those most vulnerable, to cope with hot, humid weather.
If you or anyone else is experiencing symptoms of heat-related illness, call 9-1-1 immediately. While waiting for help, move the person into air-conditioning or shade, remove unnecessary clothing, wet the person with cool water, apply ice to armpits, groin, neck and back or immerse in cold water or ice.
For further information on heat-related illness, visit the Atlantic County website at www.aclink.org/publichealth or call the Division of Public Health at (609) 645-5935
