It Will Be Another Hot One Today

But, seriously folks,

Vermont Department of Health/Vermont Emergency Management
News Release - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 6, 2010
Contact: Vermont Department of Health: 802-863-7281

Heat Advisory in Vermont – Stay Cool
WATERBURY – The National Weather Service in Burlington has issued a Heat Advisory for most of Vermont until 8 o’clock this evening. A Heat Advisory means a period of hot temperatures is expected; most of Vermont should see temperatures in the lower to mid 90s today and similar temperatures for the next couple of days. These hot temperatures combined with high humidity will combine to create a situation where heat illnesses are possible.

While extreme heat can cause problems for anyone, the elderly, children, and people with respiratory ailments are more susceptible to the heat. Those populations are encouraged to take extra precautions to avoid problems during this period of extreme temperatures.

Today is a great day for families to visit the many lakes and state parks around Vermont to stay cool. Some safety recommendations to follow during hot, humid weather:

· Slow down, and avoid strenuous activity. Don’t try to do too much on a hot day.

· Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect heat and sunlight and help maintain normal body temperature. Protect your face with a wide-brimmed hat.

· Drink plenty of water regularly and often, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

· Limit intake of alcoholic beverages. They can actually dehydrate your body.

· Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals. Avoid high protein foods that increase metabolic heat.

· Stay indoors as much as possible.

· If you do not have air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor, out of the sun. Electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help evaporate sweat, which cools your body.

· Go to a place where you can get relief from the heat, such as air conditioned schools, libraries, theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities that may offer refuge during the warmest times of the day.

· Cover windows that get morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers. Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent

· Avoid too much sunshine. Sunburn slows the skin’s ability to cool itself. If you are outside, use sunscreen with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating.

· Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle.

· Do not leave pets outside for extended periods. Make sure pets have plenty of drinking water.

· Check on family, friends, and neighbors regularly.

Tips on treating heat-related ailments:

Heat Cramps are muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. They usually involve the abdominal muscles or legs, and are caused by loss of water due to heavy sweating. Treatment includes getting the person to a cooler place to rest in a comfortable position. Give the person a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes.

Heat Exhaustion typically occurs when people overexert themselves in a warm, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. Blood flow to the skin increases, causing blood flow to vital organs to decrease, resulting in a form of mild shock.

The skin will be cool and moist, appearing either pale or flushed. The person may have headache and/or experience nausea. There may also be dizziness. It is important to treat the person promptly, so the condition does not intensify into heat stroke. Get the person to a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths, such as towels or sheets. If the person is conscious, supply a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes, making sure the person drinks slowly. Let the person rest in a comfortable position, and watch carefully for changes in his or her condition.

Heat Stroke is the most serious heat emergency. It is life threatening. The person’s temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, shuts down. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly.

The person will have hot, red skin, with changes of consciousness. Their pulse will be rapid but weak, and they will experience rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperature can rise to 105º F. If the person was sweating from heavy work or exercise, skin may be wet; otherwise it will feel dry. A person suffering from heat stroke needs immediate assistance. Call 9-1-1 and move the person to a cooler place. Immerse in a cool bath or wrap in wet sheets. Watch for breathing problems. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body any way you can. If the person refuses water, is vomiting, or there are changes in their level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink.

For more information, contact the Vermont Department of Health at 802-863-7281.

A complete forecast for all of Vermont can be found at the National Weather Service web site at www.weather.gov/btv.