A large section of the U.S., including Arkansas, is expected to experience a heat wave lasting into the weekend, according to meteorologists. Heat is the No. 1 weather-related killer in the U.S., so it’s important to stay safe. Here are some tips:
- Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids. Alcohol will not help because it is dehydrating.
- Spend as much time as you can in an air-conditioned indoor area. When outdoors, spend as much time as you can in the shade.
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing outdoors.
- Wear a hat in the sun.
- Avoid over-exertion.
- Check on neighbors and relatives, especially the elderly. Make sure they are in a cool environment.
- If you have outdoor pets, make sure they have plenty of cool water and a shady spot.
- Do not leave children or pets in a parked car. The temperature in a parked car can rise quickly on a hot day and become deadly.
- Wear sunscreen with a skin protection factor (SPF) of 15 outdoors.
- Try to avoid being in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The most serious heat-related illness is heatstroke, also known as sunstroke. It is a life-threatening medical emergency. Call 911 immediately if you believe you or someone around you is experiencing heatstroke. Symptoms to look for, according to the CDC, include:
- body temperature of 103 degrees or higher
- hot, red skin
- fast, strong pulse
- headache
- dizziness
- nausea
- confusion
- loss of consciousness
Heat exhaustion is less serious and can be reversed by moving into a cooler environment, loosening clothes, putting wet cloths on your body, taking a cool bath, and drinking water. Symptoms to look for include:
- heavy sweating
- cold, pale, and clammy skin
- fast, weak pulse
- nausea or vomiting
- muscle cramps
- tiredness or weakness
- dizziness
- headache
- loss of consciousness
