The Kingsport Fire Department (KFD) Reminds Residents to Take Caution in the Heat
Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable, yet annually many people succumb to extreme heat. With temperatures in the upper 90’s this week, the Kingsport Fire Department and the Center for Disease control offer these tips:
- Never leave infants or children in a parked car. Nor should pets be left in parked cars—they can suffer heat-related illness too.
- Dress infants and children in loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Seek medical care immediately if your child has symptoms ofsymptoms of heat-related illness.
Heat Exhaustion
· Heavy sweating · Weakness · Cold, pale, and clammy skin · Fast, weak pulse · Nausea or vomiting · Fainting What You Should Do:
· Move to a cooler location. · Lie down and loosen your clothing. · Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of your body as possible. · Sip water. · If you have vomited and it continues, seek medical attention immediately. |
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Heat Stroke
· High body temperature (above 103°F)* · Hot, red, dry or moist skin · Rapid and strong pulse · Possible unconsciousness What You Should Do:
· Call 911 immediately — this is a medical emergency. · Move the person to a cooler environment. · Reduce the person’s body temperature with cool cloths or even a bath. · Do NOT give fluids. |
- Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible.
- Find an air-conditioned shelter.
- Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
- Avoid direct sunlight.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Take cool showers or baths.
- Check on those most at-risk twice a day.
- Drink more water than usual.
- Don’t waituntil you’re thirsty to drink more fluids.
- Drink from two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
- Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
- Remind others to drink enough water.
- Check local news for extreme heat alerts and safety tips.
- Learn the symptomsof heat illness.
- For more information, please clickhere: https://www.cdc.gov/extremeheat/warning.html
Source-Center For Disease Control www.cdc.gov