 Heat Safety Tips
The following common sense and simple precautions are recommended to avoid heat related illnesses.
Drink Plenty of Water. It is important to drink fluid, especially if you are out in the sun. Water is the best liquid you can use. Fruit juices and iced tea are also good.
Avoid Alcohol. A cold beer may sound inviting but can actually speed up dehydration. Beer, wine and liquor on a hot day can double the risks you face from the heat.
Use a fan to circulate the air. Even if you have air conditioning, a fan which keeps the air moving, will let you set the thermostat several degrees higher and still be comfortable.
A limited number of fans are available for older adults from Franklin County Senior Options. To qualify, to receive a fan you must:
- be at least 60 years of age
- be a resident of Franklin County
- not have a working air conditioner
- not have received a fan from Franklin County Senior Options since 2004
Once approved, older adults or a family member can pick up a fan at the Franklin County Office on Aging, 280 East Broad Street, Room 300, and Columbus. For more information, call (614) 462-6200.
Use your basement during the hottest hours. If you do not have air conditioning but you have a basement, set up housekeeping there for the duration. Basements are usually 10 degrees cooler than the upstairs part of your house.
Be a good neighbor. Check on your neighbors several times during the day. This is especially important if they are elderly, in poor health and/or live alone. One of the early symptoms of heat stroke is loss of consciousness, and those discribed above may not be able to seek help. You may be their only link to early, lifesaving treatment.
Senior citizens living without air conditioning should spend the hottest hours of the day at air conditioned facilities such as malls, movie theatres or senior centers.
Take extra care of young children. Children are susceptible to heat injury especially those 18 months or younger. Children are most susceptible in any small, closed area such as trailer/mobile homes, closed bedrooms, closed bathrooms, and cars. If you have questions about how to care for your young child, call your doctor.
Eat light meals.
Wear lightweight and light colored cotton clothing.
Stay in the shade.
Be kind to your pets. Pets suffer from the heat as much as you do. Provide them with shade and plenty of cool water. Do not leave pets in a car with window closed. This is extremely dangerous.
Illnesses associated with heat include:
- heat cramps
- heat exhaustion
- heat stroke
All of these are serious conditions however, heat stroke is a medical emergency which requires medical attention. Symptoms of heat stroke may include: absences of perspiration, dry hot flushed skin, dilated pupils, early loss of consciousness and body temperature of 105 degrees or higher. People experiencing these symptoms should be transported to a medical facility at once.
For cooling assistance, call HEAP at the Breathing Association at 614-457-2997 or the Summer Cooling Program at the Columbus Franklin County Community Action Agency at 614-252-2663. The 24-hour HEAP automated line is 1-866-861-6399.
For more information on heat safety, please click HERE for the most current up-to-date information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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