The Health Educators at Scotland County Health Department wants to remind the public about the health effects of extreme or unusually hot temperatures we are already facing.

Did you know on average, there are 675 deaths from extreme heat events that occur each year in the United States? So who needs special care? The Elderly. People with Chronic Conditions. People with Special Needs. Infants and Children. Homeless or Poor. Outdoor Workers. Athletes. These are the folks who are most at-risk to heat-related illness. And let’s not forget about our pets!

When it’s HOT outside, it’s important to take precautions to prevent serious health effects such as Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke. STAY COOL. Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible and avoid direct sunlight for long periods of time. Limit outdoor activity when it’s the hottest part of the day. STAY HYDRATED. Drink plenty of water from two to four cups every hour if you are working or exercising outside. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink. Avoid alcohol or drinks with high amounts of sugar because they dehydrate you. STAY INFORMED. Stay updated on local weather forecasts so you can plan activities safely, especially when it’s hot outside. Keep your friends, family and neighbors aware of heat safety information.

In addition, Scotland County Health Department encourages everyone to learn the signs and first aid response for heat-related illness. Warning signs and symptoms vary but may include:

Heat Exhaustion

· Muscle cramping

· Heavy sweating

· Weakness

· Cold/pale/clammy skin

· Fast and weak pulse

· Nausea or vomiting

· Fainting

Heat stroke

· Body temperature above 103°F

· Hot, red, dry or moist skin

· Rapid and strong pulse

· Possible unconsciousness

Did you know heat stroke is the leading cause of non-crash, vehicle-related deaths for children? On average, every 10 days a child dies from heatstroke in a vehicle. Never leave infants, children, elderly people or people with special needs or chronic conditions in a parked car. Within five to 15 minutes this can lead to serious injury or even death from heatstroke. Infants and young children are especially at risk because their bodies heat up three to five times faster than an adult’s. These tragedies are completely preventable.

You can help reduce the number of deaths from heat stroke by remembering to ACT:

· A: Avoid leaving your infant or child alone in a car. Not even for a minute. Make sure to keep your vehicles locked when you’re not in it so kids cannot get inside them on their own.

· C: Create reminders by putting something in the backseat of your vehicle next to your child (briefcase, purse, cellphone) – something you will need at your final destination. This is especially important if you are not following your normal routine.

· T: Take action. If you see an infant, child, elderly person, someone who looks to be in distress, or a pet – call 911. Emergency personnel want you to call and they are trained to respond to these situations. One call could save a life.

Learn everything you need to know to keep your loved ones safe from heat-related illnesses. And don’t forget about pets! NEVER leave your pet inside a parked vehicle, because they can suffer heat-related illness and death too. If pets are left outside in extreme heat for long periods of time, make sure they have plenty of water to drink and shade and check on them often.

For additional information concerning extreme heat, visit the Safe Kids Worldwide website, or www.cdc.gov/nceh/extremeheat, or contact Kathie Cox, Heat Prevention Specialist, Scotland County Health Department at 910-277-2470, Ext. 4478. Remember to STAY COOL. STAY HYDRATED. STAY INFORMED.