Extreme Heat

The Wicomico County Health Department reminds residents to take precautions this Summer to prevent heat related illnesses.


Who is susceptible to Heat-Related Illnesses?

Anyone can be a victim of a heat-related illness, such as people working or exercising under the sun. However, those most at risk are:

Children under five People over age 65 People with chronic illnesses and disabilities People taking certain medications


How to Prevent Heat-Related Illness:

Dress for the heat
	Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose clothing. Light colors reflect away some of the sun’s heat.

Wear a hat or use an umbrella

Drink plenty of water
	Carry water or juice with you and drink even if you don’t feel thirsty.

Avoid alcohol or caffeine, which dry out the body

Eat smaller meals and eat more often
	Avoid foods that are high in protein which increases your metabolic heat.

Slow down - Avoid strenuous activity
	Limit activity to the coolest part of the day, usually in the morning between 5am and 8am.

Stay indoors as much as possible

Take regular breaks when active on a hot day
	If you or someone else is showing signs of a heat-related illness, stop the activity and find a cool place to rest.

When possible say in air-conditioned areas
	If you home is not air-conditioned, consider a visit to a shopping mall or public library.

NEVER leave pets or young children in a car, even with the windows down.

Check on elderly relatives or neighbors at least once daily.


Signs and Symptoms of a Heat-Related Illness:

Heat Cramps: These can happen because of loss of water and salt from heavy sweating. Heat cramps can cause muscle pain and spasms, but are not as serious as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat Exhaustion: symptoms include cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion. Body temperature may be near normal.

Heat Stroke: symptoms may include hot, red skin; fainting or passing out; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperature can be 105 degrees or higher.

Both heat exhaustion and heat stroke can become serious and even deadly if not taken care of right away.


First Aid Treatment for Heat-Related Illnesses:

Heat Cramps
Get the person to a cool place and have him or her rest comfortably. Lightly stretch the cramped muscle and give the person a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them.

Heat Exhaustion
Get the person out of the heat and into a cool place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths. If the person is conscious, give the person a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them. Let the victim rest in a comfortable position and watch carefully for changes in his or her condition. If there is no visible change in condition, or if the person is unconscious, call 911.

Heat Stroke
Heat Stroke is a life threatening situation, and help is needed fast. If you suspect a person is suffering from heat stroke, call 911, and move the person to a cool place. Quickly cool the person by putting them in a cool bath or by wrapping wet sheets around their body and fanning them. Keep the person lying down. If the person is unconscious, refuses water, or is vomiting, do not give anything to drink.


Heat-Related Resources

Centers for Disease Control - Extreme Heat (http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/)
Ready.Gov - Extreme Heat (http://www.ready.gov/america/beinformed/heat.html)


Potential Heat Shelters in Wicomico County

Pine Bluff MAC Multi-Purpose Senior Center
	1508 Riverside Drive
	Salisbury, MD 21801
	410-742-8569

Williards MAC Senior Center
	Hearn and Canal Streets
	Willards, MD 21874
	410-835-3475


For more information or questions on this topic, please call the Wicomico County Health Department at (410) 334-3480