The individuals most at risk of heat-related illness include persons
NOT in an air-conditioned environment, particularly:
small children
the elderly
those with chronic medical conditions or immobilized individuals
However, anyone can be affected by severe heat and should be aware of early
signs of heat-related illness which can include cramping, fatigue, dizziness
and fainting. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are medical emergencies
and should be dealt with promptly by calling 911.
Keep
cool indoors, using air-conditioning when possible. At temperatures
in the high 90’s or above, a fan may not prevent heat-related illness. Spending
at least two hours per day in air conditioning significantly reduces the
number of heat related illnesses. Shower or take a cool bath.
Consider a trip to the mall, a local library, a friend with air-conditioning
or one of the county’s parks facilities.
Several Henrico County recreation facilities are air-conditioned and open
to the public.
Contact each site for hours of operation:
Belmont Recreation Center - 501-5990;
Confederate Hills Recreation Center - 737-2859;
Dorey Recreation Center - 795-2334 and
Deep Run Recreation Center - 290-0305.
Henrico libraries also are available — call 652-3200 or log on to www.henricolibrary.org for
information.
Drink plenty of fluids – two to four glasses of cool fluids each
hour. To replace salt and minerals lost from sweating, drink fruit juice
or a sports beverage during exercise or when you have to work outside. If
you’re on a fluid-restricted diet or diuretics or on a low-salt diet,
talk with your healthcare provider for specific advice.
Plan outdoor activities around the heat. If you must go outside, go before
noon or at night when it’s cooler. Resting frequently when you are
outside will give your body a chance to recover from the heat.
Avoid sunburn and wear light clothing. Sunburn limits your body’s
ability to keep itself cool and causes loss of body fluids. Use sunscreen
with a higher SPF. Lighter weight clothing that is loose fitting and light-colored
is more comfortable during extreme temperatures. Use a hat to keep the head
cool.
Give your body a break as the heat wave can be stressful on your body.
Limit physical activity until your body adjusts to the heat.
NEVER keep children or pets in cars with windows rolled up, even partially.
Temperatures inside a car with windows up can reach over 150 degrees quickly,
resulting in heat stroke and death.
Use the “buddy system” if you’re working outside. If
you’re working outside and suffer a heat-related illness, you could
become confused or could lose consciousness. Therefore, make sure someone
else knows of your plans. This suggestion also applies to the elderly who
may want to have a friend, relative or neighbor check on them a couple of
times a day during the heat wave.
Henrico’s Department of Social Services will offer a Cooling Assistance
Program beginning June 16. Call 501-4099 for information.
The individuals most at risk of heat-related illness include persons
NOT in an air-conditioned environment, particularly: