DHSS Press Release |
Date: July 26, 2005 DHSS-72-2005 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
Contact: Heidi Truschel-Light Phone: (302) 744-4907 Pager: (302) 247-1560 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HEAT INDEX TO REACH OVER 100 DEGREES TODAY AND TOMORROW - RESIDENTS SHOULD AVOID HOT WEATHER HAZARDS
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Heat Advisory for our area through tomorrow. The NWS issues a Heat Advisory when the heat index is expected to reach or exceed 105 degrees for two consecutive days. (The heat index shows how hot a particular combination of heat and humidity feels. High humidity makes heat more dangerous because it slows the evaporation of sweat - the body's natural cooler.)
In conjunction with the Heat Advisory, Delaware Health and Social Services is issuing a Heat/Health Advisory to provide information that will help people reduce their risk of heat illnesses.
Children, the elderly and persons with chronic ailments are most susceptible to heat-related illness. Any person experiencing heat exhaustion should immediately restrict outdoor activity or activity in an overheated confined space. A heat stroke is an emergency situation that can result in death and it requires immediate attention from medical personnel.
If your heart begins to pound, you become lightheaded, confused, weak or faint, stop all activity and get assistance immediately. Go to a cool area or get in the shade and rest.
The following tips can be used as a guide to reducing risks and remaining safe during periods of high heat:
- Never leave children or pets unattended in a closed car. Left in sunlight, the temperature in a vehicle, even with windows cracked, can exceed 150 degrees in a very short time. When temperatures are in the 90s, excessive heat in a closed car can also build up very rapidly even in a car that is shaded.
- Eat well-balanced, light meals and drink plenty of water regularly. To encourage children to drink plenty of water or healthy drinks, fill plastic bottles with water or sugar-free drinks and place in the freezer for a frosty treat. Note: Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease, are on fluid-restrictive diets or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake. Make sure companion animals have access to plenty of fresh water.
- Limit intake of alcoholic beverages. Although beer and alcohol beverages appear to satisfy thirst, they actually cause further body dehydration.
- Dress in loose fitting clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing that reflects heat and sunlight and helps maintain normal body temperature. Check out clothing that acts as a sunscreen for children and adults.
- Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat. Keeping direct sunlight off of the top of your head is very important. Infants and small children should always wear a hat when out in heat and bright sunlight.
- Allow your body to get acclimated to hot temperatures for the first two or three days of a heat wave. Don't rush into outdoor activities if you're not used to working in extreme heat. Reduce, eliminate, or reschedule strenuous activities.
- Avoid too much sunshine. Sunburn slows the skin's ability to cool itself. Use sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (sun protection factor) rating. Stay indoors as much as possible during extreme heat. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Do not leave pets outdoors without adequate shade. If possible, bring them indoors. If you move pets into a garage, make sure there is ample air circulation.
- Avoid extreme temperature changes. A cool shower immediately after coming in from hot temperatures can result in hypothermia, particularly for elderly and very young people.
- Hang shades, draperies, awnings, or louvers on windows that receive direct sunlight. Outdoor awnings or louvers on windows or porches can reduce the heat entering a house by as much as 80 percent.
- Conserve electricity. During periods of extreme heat, people tend to use a lot more power for air-conditioning, which can put a strain on power supplies and be a potential cause of brown-outs, rolling blackouts or outage. Window coverings will also keep heat out and allow you to set your thermostat slightly higher. When possible, use fans rather than air conditioning units. Try to restrict operation of high energy consuming appliances, such as clothes dryers and dishwashers to evening hours when there is less demand for air conditioning. Vacuum or replace (as appropriate) air conditioner filters weekly during periods of high use.
- Cool it in cool places. For fun and to get in out of the heat, take advantage of summer family movies or plan trips to museums or the library. Even an indoor shopping mall can give you a change in scene and a place to snack and shop.
- Protect your pets too. Pets can also suffer from excessive heat. Make sure your pets have adequate drinking water and a shady place to rest.
If you need a fan or emergency air conditioning you can contact Catholic Charities to find out how to apply for assistance. Please call:
- Kent County: (302) 674-1782
- New Castle County: (302) 654-9295
- Sussex County: (302) 856-6310
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
