Community Corner

Tips on How To Handle Excessive Heat

How to spot the signs of heat stroke.

As the National Weather Service has issued an , with temperatures possibly reaching 96 degrees for Thursday, residents need to be aware of how to handle being out in such heat.

In the records: 99 degrees would match the Philadelphia area's hottest recorded temperature for the date of June 21 since records were first kept in 1873. As of 11 a.m., PECO was reporting fewer than 50 customers without power throughout Delaware County.

The Delaware County Office of Services of the Aging (COSA) has issued these safety tips:

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  • Drink plenty of fluids (in consultation with your physician regarding medication and fluids.)
  • Wear lightweight clothing.
  • Stay indoors or seek relief at a senior center, mall or friend’s house who has air-conditioning.
  • Avoid strenuous activity.
  • Limit alcohol or beverages containing caffeine.

The county also has a 24-hour heat information line at 610-872-1558. The phone service is running from now until Sept. 30, which will provide residents with heat advisory updates and information.

People who need additional assistance can contact the COSA Information and Assistance service at 610-490-1300.

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The American Red Cross also shared these tips on how to help someone who may be suffering from heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke.

HEAT CRAMPS

Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in the legs or abdomen caused by exposure to high heat and humidity and loss of fluids and electrolytes. Heat cramps are often an early sign that the body is having trouble with the heat. If someone is experiencing heat cramps:

• Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. Stretching, massaging and icing the affected muscle may help.

• Give a half glass of cool water or a sports drink with electrolytes every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them, as they can make conditions worse.

HEAT EXHAUSTION

Heat exhaustion is caused by a combination of exercise induced heat and fluid and electrolyte loss from sweating. Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea; dizziness; weakness; and exhaustion. To help someone with these symptoms:

• Move the person to a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing. Spray him or her with water or apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person. If the person is conscious, give small amounts of cool water cool water or a sports drink with electrolytes to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in his or her condition.

• If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

HEAT STROKE

Heat stroke (also known as sunstroke) is a life-threatening condition in which a person’s temperature control system stops working and the body is unable to cool itself.

• Signs of heat stroke include those of heat exhaustion and hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; change or loss of consciousness; seizures; vomiting; and high body temperature.

• Heat stroke is life-threatening. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately.

• Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the person’s body by immersing them up to their neck in cold water if possible. If unable to immerse them, continue rapid cooling by applying bags of ice or cold packs wrapped in a cloth to the wrists, ankles, groin, neck and armpits, spraying
with water and/or fanning.

For more information, please visit www.redcross.org.


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