EXTREME HEAT ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jennifer Johnson
(410) 219-3947 (Office)
(410) 251-5379 (Cell)
EXTREME HEAT ADVISORY
(July 13, 2023, Salisbury, MD) Our area will be experiencing a period of extreme heat today as the heat index will be 100-105. Wicomico County Health Officer, Matthew McConaughy reminds residents to stay cool and well hydrated. “Individuals can quickly develop a heat-related illness, which can become life-threatening if not properly treated, “McConaughey says. Sweating is the body’s way to cool itself, but under some conditions, sweating isn’t enough. This can cause a person’s body temperature to rise rapidly. A very high body temperature may damage the brain or other vital organs. Infants, young children, young athletes, obese persons, those older than 65 years of age, outdoor workers, and persons with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or a mental illness are at high risk. The Wicomico County Health Department offers these tips to help you stay healthy and cool:
- Stay indoors. Seek air-conditioned environments such as malls, and public places.
- Schedule outdoor activities before 10:00 am and after 6:00 pm.
- Wear loose fitting, light-colored clothes.
- Take cool baths or showers.
- Minimize direct exposure to the sun; if you must be outdoors, seek shade.
- Drink plenty of fluids without sugar, caffeine, or alcohol.
- If outdoors, schedule frequent water breaks and drink 2 – 4 glasses (16 – 32 oz.) of fluid each hour.
- Eat light, cool, non-spicy, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads.
- Limit the use of the stove or oven.
- Check on others such as co-workers, the elderly, and those living alone at least twice a day.
- Bring pets indoors. If they must remain outside, make sure they have shade and plenty of clean, fresh water.
For more tips on how to stay cool, visit www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat. Get even more tips and stay connected with the Wicomico County Health Department at www.wicomicohealth.org or via social media (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram).
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