ORLANDO, Fla. — The summer season can bring a lot of sunshine but it can also bring high temperatures. The Florida Department of Health is warning residents and visitors about the dangers of heatstroke and heat exhaustion.
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But they have some tips to help beat the heat and stay cool:
- Stay hydrated
- Those who are at high risk of heat-related illness, including the elderly and young children, should stay in an air-conditioned environment (a shopping mall or a public library are good alternatives)
- If you need to work or exercise outside, take breaks and pace yourself
- Do not leave children or pets in parked cars, even if the windows are left open
- Use sunscreen with a SPF 15 or higher
- Wear a hat and lightweight, light-colored clothing
- Leave your pets with plenty of water in shady areas
- Check local news for extreme heat alerts and safety tips
Read: ‘It’s Hot’: Outdoor workers see an increase in heat-related hazards in Central Florida
Heatstroke symptoms include any of the following:
- Extremely high body temperature, 103ºF or higher
- Hot, red, dry or damp skin
- No sweating
- Hallucinations
- Chills
- Throbbing headache
- Confusion/dizziness
- Slurred speech
If someone does experience heatstroke:
- Call 911 right away
- Move the person to a cooler place
- Help lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath
- Do not give the person anything to drink
Read: How gas prices are impacting summer travel
Heat exhaustion symptoms include:
- Heavy sweating
- Extreme weakness or fatigue
- Dizziness/confusion
- Nausea
- Cold clammy/moist skin
- Pale or flushed complexion
- Muscle cramps
- Slightly elevated body temperature
- Fast/shallow breathing
Read: Heat wave forces more than 50 million Americans under heat advisories
What to do for heat exhaustion:
- Move to a cool place
- Loosen your clothes
- Put cool, wet towels/cloths on your body or take a cool bath
- Sip water
Get medical help right away if:
- You are throwing up
- Your symptoms get worse
- Your symptoms last longer than 1 hour
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