Tips to stay cool and safe this summer

Heat MGN

With heat on the rise, danger can suddenly approach.

The Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management & Homeland Security is offering some tips to keep you and your pets safe:

They say high humidity stops sweat from evaporating, trapped heat raises body temperatures rapidly and is hard for your body to cool down.

WARNING SIGNS ~

* Heat Exhaustion: Heavy Sweating, Weakness, Dizziness and Nausea
* Heat Stroke ~ Treat as an EMERGENCY SITUATION ~ High Body Temperatures, Confusion, Unconsciousness and Hot/Dry Skin

* STAY HYDRATED: Drink lots of water and avoid consuming alcohol. Consume 4 ounces (a few large sips) of water every 15 to 20 minutes. Do not wait until you feel thirsty, as thirst indicates you are already mildly dehydrated.

Switch to an electrolyte-rich sports drink or use hydration packets if you are outside for more than an hour. This replaces the essential sodium and potassium lost through heavy sweating.

* Find a cool place: when available, spend time in a room that has air conditioning and/or the use of a fan.

* Use Portable Cooling Tools: Carry a damp cooling towel or bandana wrapped around your neck. Keep a fine-mist spray bottle on hand to manually mimic the evaporative cooling your body is lacking.

* Take Mandatory Shade Breaks: Seek out trees, covered pavilions, or natural shade. Moving out of direct sunlight can instantly lower the ambient temperature feel by 10°F or more.

* Wear Light Clothing: Choose lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing. Synthetic moisture-wicking materials or loosely woven natural fibers like linen and cotton assist what little evaporation is possible.

Use a wide-brimmed hat rather than a tight baseball cap. Caps trap heat on your scalp, whereas a wide brim shields your face and neck while allowing air to circulate.

* Reduce Outdoor time (if possible) ~ According to the National Weather Service (NWS), you should avoid strenuous outdoor activities between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.. Re-schedule workouts or heavy labor to early morning or late evening.

* Monitor Each Other: Never work or exercise intensely outdoors alone in extreme humidity. Partner up so you can actively watch for early signs of heat exhaustion in someone else, such as sudden clumsiness, slurred speech, or heavy breathing

* Check the Ground for Pets: If you are walking a dog, test the pavement with the back of your hand. Asphalt and dark concrete absorb extreme radiant heat and will severely burn their paws.