In light of the upcoming extreme temperatures Lehigh County Emergency Management Agency would like to remind you to take simple steps to prevent heat-related illness. Extreme heat is known as the “silent killer,” because 1,500 people a year die in the US due to heat-related illness – more than tornadoes, hurricanes, floods and lightning combined, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It is important to prepare now to reduce your risk to heat-related illness.

Take the flowing steps to protect yourself:

Be Informed

• Certain groups of people are more at risk from high temperatures
  • • Infants and young children
    • People aged 65 or older
    • People with chronic medical conditions
• Never leave your children or pets in a vehicle
• Pay close attention to heat advisories or warnings (local television, radio and internet)
• The two most common types of heat-related illnesses are heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
  • Symptoms of heat exhaustion:
    • • Heavy sweating
      • Paleness (skin is a lighter color than normal)
      • Muscle cramps
      • Tiredness
      • Weakness
      • Dizziness
      • Headache
      • Nausea or vomiting
      • Fainting
  • What you should do:
    • • Move to a cooler location
      • Lie down and loosen your clothing
      • Apply cool, wet clothes to as much of your body as possible
      • Sip water

• Symptoms of heat stroke:
  • • An extremely high body temperature (above 103° F)
    • Red, hot and dry skin (no sweating)
    • Rapid, strong pulse
    • Throbbing headache
    • Dizziness
    • Nausea
    • Confusion
    • Unconsciousness
• What you should do:
  • • Call for emergency medical attention
    • Get the victim to a shady area
    • Cool the person rapidly (cool clothes or even a bath)
    • Do no give the victim any fluids (like water) to drink

 

Plan for periods of Extreme Heat

• Service air conditioner before hot weather arrives, and obtain window fans to help cool your home
• Know where to go when the weather heats up. Find cool, indoor places to spend time on hot summer days, such as a local library, shopping mall or museum.

Know what to do in Hot Weather

• Stay indoors in air conditioning as much as possible
• Drink plenty of water during the day – don’t wait until you are thirsty!
• If you must be outside in the heat, limit activity to morning and evening hours, and try to rest often in the shade
• Dress in light-colored and loose-fitting clothing, a hat, sunglasses and an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen
• Check on those who may be more at-risk from high temperatures

For more information on extreme heat, call the Lehigh County Emergency Management Agency at (610) 782-4600.

 

Information from Lehigh County Emergency Management Services – John Kalynych, provided to TVL by:
Joshua Siegel
Public Information Officer
County of Lehigh, Office of the County Executive
17 S. 7th Street, 4th Floor, Suite 436
Allentown, PA 18101
www.lehighcounty.org
 

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