With temperatures in the triple digits, Cleburne public safety wants to remind the community to stay safe.
Knowing how to detect heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke is important. Heat cramps are the first stage of heat-related illness where a person begins to feel muscle pain and tightness. To combat heat cramps people should rest in a cool place and drink cool water or a sports drink, which can replenish electrolytes and salt.
Heat exhaustion symptoms include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, upset stomach or vomiting, and fainting. To remedy heat exhaustion people should move to a cool or air-conditioned location, lie down, and drink cool water.
Heat stroke symptoms include a high body temperature above 103-degrees Fahrenheit, red and hot or dry skin without sweating, a rapid and strong pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, upset stomach, confusion, passing out. If you see someone in heat stroke call 911. Check for pulse and breathing, start CPR if necessary and place the person in a cool bath or spray with a garden hose or sponge with cool water.
Tips
- Stay hydrated by drinking more water regularly and don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Avoid sugary beverages.
- Protect your skin by using sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher, wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing, and wear a hat.
- Stay cool indoors by spending time in air-conditioned places or a cooling shelter. If it’s too hot in your home, take a cool bath or shower. The Library is free and open from 10 a.m. into the evening most days. Booker T. Washington Recreation Center has a $2 admission fee and has a gym, basketball courts, and more.
- Avoid using a stove or oven to cook. These appliances can raise a room’s temperature by 10-degrees Fahrenheit.
- Schedule outdoor activities, if possible, for when the temperatures are coolest during the morning and evening hours. If you do have to be outside rest in shady areas.
- Protect others by keeping an eye on people most likely to become ill from heat including babies and children, seniors, those who live alone, and people with a disability, disease, or mental illness. Check on family, friends, and neighbors. Make sure pets have plenty of fresh water.
- Never leave children or pets in a closed, parked vehicle.
