Heat Safety Tips

It’s getting hot outside.  The National Weather Service reports that temperatures are rising to their highest levels so far this summer for much of the country.  Rabun County Assistant Fire Chief Justin Upchurch offers these heat safety tips to keep cool this summer. “Surprisingly, the National Weather Service says that over 175 people are killed each year due to heatwaves, which was surprising to me.  They have a few tips for keeping safe in the heat. It actually breaks down into the word HEAT. H is for hydrate. Never wait until you are thirsty, usually by the time you get thirsty you are already dehydrated, so be hydrating throughout the day.  E is for educating yourself about the temperature. If it is going to be above 85 degrees or the Heat Index is going to be above 90 degrees, you need to go ahead and take protective action and know that it is going to be hot. A is act quickly. With any kind of heat illness warning signs may be cramps, rapid pulse, heavy sweating, hot red skin, dizziness, confusion, nausea, and vomiting.  So, if you are out in the heat or anybody you are with starts to experience any of those things, you probably need to seek medical attention. T is for take it easy. Avoid any kind of over-exertion in the heat, take frequent breaks, and stay in the shade if possible.” In addition, if you are going to be outside during the hottest times of the day, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, a hat, and sunglasses.  Use sunscreen. Reapply sunscreen if you stay out in the sun for more than two hours and after swimming, sweating or toweling off.