Beating the Heat: Keeping Cool

Tips to keep cool in the heat

1. Swimming pools, spraygrounds and cooling centers
2. Don’t use fans as primary cooling system
3. Check on your neighbors
4. Don’t leave kids or pets alone, especially in cars
5. If you work outdoors, take frequent breaks
6. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing
7. Take advantage of discounted public transit
8. Exercise in an air-condition place and drink two to four glasses of cool, non-alcoholic fluids each hour
9. Protect yourself from the sun with suncreen of SPF15 or higher, as well as wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses

With high temperatures expected in the area, drinking four cups of water every hour is recommended. Don’t wait until you are thirsty and avoid sugary or alcoholic beverages.

Get the latest forecast from the 41 Action Weather Team | Weather Wise: What causes heat waves?  | Georgia deputy films himself in hot car to show the danger

Any time SkyCast predicts a red or orange ozone day, fare will be discounted to $0.75 for that time.

Outdoor workers, the elderly, people with chronic illness or heart conditions and young children are most at risk in excessive heat. The warning is issued in part due to the combination of hot temperatures and high humidity.

Don’t forget your pets

• Keep your pet hydrated by providing it with plenty of water. Keep pets out of the sun and preferably indoors. Be careful not to over-exercise them.
• Symptoms of pet overheating include: excessive panting/difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, weakness, stupor, collapse, seizures, bloody diarrhea, vomit and body temperatures of 104+ degrees.
• Animals with flat faces (i.e. Pugs and Persian cats) are more susceptible to heat stroke because they cannot pant as effectively. These types of pets, along with elderly, overweight and/or sick pets, should be kept cool in air-conditioning as much as possible.
• Do not keep pets alone in a parked vehicle – not only can this lead to fatal heat stroke quickly, it is illegal in several states.
• Give your pet a haircut to help prevent overheating. Hair should be shaved to one-inch length, but never down to the skin, as fur offers sun protection. Brushing your cat frequently can help prevent problems caused by excessive heat.

(This article reprinted from: http://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/seven-ways-to-beat-the-heat-during-mondays-excessive-heat-advisory

Image source: Public Domain Image)