Heat safety precautions for upcoming hot weather

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — With upcoming hot temperatures approaching, it is important to stay informed on how to best take care of yourself.

“We want to check on all ages. Young children are particularly susceptible to heat. They can dehydrate very, very quickly. As can our elderly population,” Erlanger Trauma Outreach & Injury Prevention Coordinator Regena Young said.

“Some of the things to really watch out for when you get hot, is if you stop sweating. That is a really bad sign and is indicative of heat stroke. If you’re feeling light-headed, sit down, cool off,” Young said.

When facing these harsher temperatures, it is encouraged to move slowly and not change positions fast where you could drop your blood pressure and pass out.

To stay safe, it is always a good idea to keep water and snacks around when dealing with the heat.

“A really good way to make sure that you’re staying safe with the heat and everything coming up is making sure you’re getting in a lot of water … food’s also important because you’re burning off a lot more calories,” L2 Outsides’ Brennan Harris said.

Coconut water and sports drinks can help when dealing with dehydration as well.

“For me I like to get a nice little spot under a tree, near a bank. We got a lake near my house and that’s what we usually do. We go to the lake, and we relax, and we drink some cold lemonade,” local resident Bryan Dittrich said.

Wearing loose and light-weight clothing also help regulate body temperature.

Sunscreen is a big help in dealing with the heat. It is encouraged to put it on 30 minutes before going outside and to reapply every two hours.

Young advises people to seek medical help if you are not able to rehydrate, are passing out, or experiencing symptoms of heat stroke.