Guilford County is highlighting the importance of heat safety tips with residents to help prevent illness, injury, and death during high temperatures and extreme heat. An extreme heat event consists of several days with temperatures much higher than usual for a specific time and place. According to the American Red Cross, these events are the deadliest weather phenomena, causing more fatalities than any other weather condition.
Guilford County Emergency Services is urging residents to stay hydrated during extreme heat to prevent heat illness and is providing some tips for heat safety.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially as temperatures rise. Avoid beverages with caffeine, excessive sugar, or alcohol as they can lead to dehydration.
- Stay cool indoors: If possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. Do not rely only on a fan as a primary cooling device during extreme heat. When temperatures are in the high 90s, fans may not prevent heat-related illness. Cover windows with drapes or shades.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing that reflects sunlight. Use hats or umbrellas for added protection, and always apply sunscreen to exposed skin.
- Limit physical activity: Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest hours. If you must work outdoors, drink 2-4 glasses of water per hour, take frequent breaks in a cool area, and ideally work in an air-conditioned environment.
- Never leave children or pets in parked cars: Temperatures inside a vehicle can reach 120°F in minutes and approach 150°F in as little as an hour, leading to heat stroke and even death.
- Check on vulnerable neighbors: Particularly during high temperatures and humidity, elderly individuals (aged 65 and older) are at increased risk of heat-related illnesses and complications.
Guilford County encourages residents to learn about the difference in heat-related illnesses. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses an excessive amount of water and salt, typically due to profuse sweating. If you are experiencing heat exhaustion, get to an air-conditioned place, drink water, and if possible, take a cool shower or use cold compresses.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Thirst
- Excessive sweating
- Muscle cramps
- Cool, pale clammy skin
Heat stroke is the most severe heat-related illness. It occurs when the body loses its ability to regulate temperature. This results in a rapid increase in body temperature, failure of the sweating mechanism, and an inability to cool down. Immediate emergency treatment is crucial as heat stroke can lead to permanent disability or death if not promptly addressed. If you see someone experiencing a heat stroke call 9-1-1, if possible, move the person to a cooler place, cool the individual with a wet cold cloth, and do not give them anything to drink.
Guilford County urges residents to sign up for NCDHHS Heat Health Alert System to receive email alerts when the local heat index is forecast to be unhealthy. Residents can register here: https://epi.dph.ncdhhs.gov/oee/climate/heat.html.
Guilford County Continuum of Care has assembled a list of cooling stations available across the county. Residents are encouraged to visit the 2024 Cooling Stations webpage to learn more about the availability of each center.
