Saint Louis County, MO - (Aug.4, 2008) - The St. Louis County Health Department is strongly urging caution and common sense during the heat wave that has arrived in the area.
"St. Louis experiences heat waves almost every year and it is important to observe common sense precautions whenever this happens," said Dr. Dolores Gunn, director of the Health Department.
Whenever temperatures rise above 95 degrees, the Health Department recommends the following:
* Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.* Spend as little time as possible in the sun and keep activity levels to a minimum.* Drink plenty of cool, non-alcoholic beverages, especially those without sugar or caffeine.* Take regular breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned room.* Eat light, easily digested foods, avoiding hot, heavy, or greasy meals.* Be sure not to leave food unrefrigerated for long - food spoils rapidly in the heat.* Take care of those who might not be aware of the danger or able to react accordingly -especially young children, the elderly, and pets.* Know the signs of heat exhaustion. If someone becomes dizzy, nauseated, or sweats heavily, find a cooler location for him or her immediately.* Know the signs of heat stroke. Heat stroke is much more serious than heat exhaustion. The symptoms are similar to heat exhaustion, but also include hot, flushed skin, and normally sweating stops. If heat stroke is a possibility, call 911 immediately. Heat stroke is life threatening.Here are some tips to protect your pet during the hot weather:* Regularly check your pet’s water to make sure it’s clean and fresh. Ample drinking water is vital to animals during hot and humid conditions. Make sure to adjust the drinking quantity for the size and number of pets in the area. You can also spray your pet with water to cool them off.* Provide a shady space for your pet. A pen near trees will work or you can fasten a sunroom screen to the sides and top of the pen to provide shade too.* Never leave your pet unattended in a hot vehicle. Internal vehicle temperatures can reach 150 degrees. |
