Extreme heat is a health risk. Heat-related illness includes heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat fainting, heat rash and muscle cramps. Heat-related illness is preventable.
Watch for symptoms of heat-related illnesses which can include:
- Dizziness or fainting
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Rapid breathing and heartbeat
- Extreme thirst
- Decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine
If you experience any of these symptoms, immediately move to a cool place and drink liquids. Cool water is best, not ice cold liquid.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 if you have or someone you are with has a high body temperature, along with one or a combination of the following: confused, unconscious, or has stopped sweating. While you are waiting for help, cool the person right away by moving them to a cool or shady place, removing excess clothing, and/or applying cool water to large areas of the skin or clothing.