National Heat Awareness Day

While summertime is a fun time for physical activity outdoors, the heat can be potentially dangerous causing heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke. There are several things you can do to protect yourself, your family, and your pets from heat-related illnesses and even death.

Watch the weather

Either check the weather daily or download a weather app onto your phone so you will get weather advisories from the National Weather Service such as Excessive Heat Outlooks, Excessive Heat Watches, Excessive Heat Warning/Advisories.

Avoid exercising at the heat of the day

If at all possible, stay in the shade or indoors when it’s hottest outside. If you want to go outside for your daily exercise, a good rule to follow is to be sure that your shadow is longer than you are.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day

Many of us can be dehydrated even when cool outside. Signs of moderate dehydration are a dry mouth, sleepiness, thirst, decreased urine output, dry skin, and headaches. When it’s hot outside and when you workout, you need to be even more cautious that you keep replenishing your body with water, as your body is made up of approximately 65% of water.

If you believe someone is experiencing a heat stroke it is important to call 911 immediately.

For more information about heat safety tips, check out the National Weather Service Heat Safety Tips and Resources.