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Beat the heat: Summer safety tips

by jmaloni

Submitted

Sat, Jul 18th 2015 05:25 pm

AlertID provides tips to protect your family and pets from heat exhaustion

Heat and humidity can be silent killers for those who don't take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones. Serious health concerns caused by extreme temperatures are heat exhaustion, heat stroke or even death.

"Children, the elderly and pets are at the highest risk of overexposure to the heat," AlertID founder Keli Wilson said. "Taking steps to prevent overheating and recognizing the symptoms of heat exhaustion are easy steps everyone can take this summer to beat the heat."

As record-high temperatures spread across the country this summer, AlertID reminds readers heat-related injuries are preventable, especially when following its "Beat the Heat Tips."

Stay hydrated: The rate at which the human body can absorb fluids is less than the rate it loses during extreme temperatures. Drinking beverages that contain sugar, caffeine or alcohol will only further dehydrate the human body. Drink water regularly, even before you are thirsty, as thirst indicates dehydration.

Keep cool: If you don't have air-conditioning at home, keep rooms as ventilated as possible. Consider going to a public pool, shopping mall or other air-conditioned building. Even a few hours in air-conditioning can help you stay cool before you go back in the heat. Wear cool, loose, lightweight clothing to stay as cool as possible.

Limit outdoor Activities: Try to limit outdoor activity to early morning or evening hours and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest hours of the day.

Avoid harmful UVs: If it's not possible to stay out of the sun, avoid harmful rays by wearing wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses, and use a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.

Never leave a person or a pet in a closed vehicle: The temperature inside a closed vehicle can exceed 140 degrees within 30 minutes. Despite this clear and present danger, injuries and deaths among children, seniors, and pets occur every year.

Check on elderly loved ones and those with special needs: Extreme heat without AC can be especially dangerous for elderly and those with health issues, who are more affected by the heat.

Pets: If pets need to stay outside, give them plenty of shade and water. Consider a small pool for the animal to stay cool.

About AlertID

AlertID, the neighborhood safety network, is free to use and helps protect families and neighborhoods. AlertID's mission is to help people live safely by providing a secure way to receive trusted public safety alerts and share information with family members and neighbors. For more information visit www.AlertID.com.

NOTE: AlertID is not a doctor or medical professional. The opinions here are those of AlertID. This website does not endorse or promote the ideas herein.

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