(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – With extreme heat in the forecast, the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness (OCSWA), the Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA), and the National Weather Service Wilmington (NWS) encourage residents – especially older adults, people with chronic illnesses, and caretakers of infants and children – to use extra precaution in avoiding heat-related stress.

Extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards. Although everyone should use caution during extreme heat, the more vulnerable populations are the elderly, those who work or exercise outdoors, infants and children, the unhoused, and people with a chronic medical condition. Extreme heat is associated with an increase in heat-related illnesses, including cardiovascular, respiratory complications, and heat stroke.

The Ohio EMA and partners encourage all Ohioans to have a plan and know where to go to get out of the heat and cool off.

Fun in the sun can take a dangerous turn if children or athletes are outdoors enjoying summer activity on hot days. Those outdoor activities should be balanced with measures that help the body cool off; hot weather demands increased fluid intake, regardless of activity level. People who are planning to be outdoors should also take frequent breaks and dress for the weather in light-weight clothing.

Be a Good Neighbor

Friends and neighbors are encouraged to periodically check on each other, especially the elderly and those with illnesses, since they are among those at highest risk for heat-related problems.
The best defense against heat-related problems is prevention. Staying cool and making simple changes in fluid in-take, activities, and clothing during hot weather will help keep you safe and healthy.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

Increase your water intake. Don’t wait until you are thirsty before you start drinking water.
Do not take salt tablets without a physician’s advice.
Avoid beverages that contain alcohol or caffeine, because they can add to dehydration and increase the effects of heat illnesses.

Know How to Treat Heat Exhaustion

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include: heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, or fainting.
People experiencing these symptoms should be moved to a shady or air-conditioned area. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet clothes or towels.
Have person sip on a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. If the person refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness, call 911 or the local emergency number.

Know the Symptoms of Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation. Call 911 immediately. Symptoms include: a body temperature of 103 degrees or higher, red, hot, and dry skin with no sweating, rapid pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, unconsciousness, and gray skin color.

NEVER Leave Children or Pets in Vehicles

Even in cool temperatures, cars can heat up to dangerous temperatures quickly. Even if the windows are left open, interior temperatures can rise almost 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes.
Children or animals left inside a vehicle are at risk for serious heat-related illnesses or even death.
When traveling with children (even routine drives), remember to do the following:
- To remind yourself that a child is in the car, place your bag, phone, or other items you will take with you in the back seat. This will force you to turn around before exiting the car.
- When leaving your vehicle, check the front and back seats to make sure no sleeping children (or pets) are left in the car.

For more information on extreme heat, visit Ohio EMA’s website, and follow the hashtag #BeatTheHeatOhio on social media.

Lynch