Explore Cares – Hot cars can be deadly!
With projected temperatures in the upper 80’s and low 90’s, it’s going to be a toasty week here in Central Wisconsin. Aside from being sweaty and uncomfortable, the heat can actually be dangerous for both humans and animals. Here are some tips, courtesy of The Red Cross, on how to stay safe when the sun shines:
HOT CARS CAN BE DEADLY!
Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. The inside temperature of the car can quickly reach 120 degrees.
STAY HYDRATED
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
- STAY COOL
- Avoid extreme temperature changes.
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. (Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.)
- During the warmest part of the day, visit places with air-conditioning (library, mall)
STAY PUT
- Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
- Postpone outdoor games and activities.
- Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat. Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
- Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
- Check on animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of cool water.
STAY AWARE
Extreme heat can lead to sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If someone is experiencing heat cramps in the legs or abdomen, get them to a cooler place, have them rest, lightly stretch the affected muscle, and replenish their fluids with a half a glass (about 4 ounces) of cool water every 15 minutes.
Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness exhaustion. If experiencing these symptoms, move to a cooler place, remove or loosen tight clothing and spray with water or apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. If you see someone experiencing these symptoms, help them to do the same. If they are conscious, give them small amounts of water to drink slowly. (If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.)
Heat Strokes are life-threatening. Signs include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting and high body temperature. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately if someone shows signs of heat stroke. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person’s body by immersing them up to their neck in cold water if possible. Otherwise, douse or spray the person with cold water, or cover the person with cold, wet towels or bags of ice.
For more information on what to do when temperatures rise, download the free Red Cross Emergency App. The app also gives users the option to receive alerts for excessive heat watches, warnings and heat advisories.
