This article is 13 years old. It was published on June 7, 2011.
HAVE A PLAN FOR HOT WEATHER
- Make a plan that includes ways to contact one another and check on relatives who live alone. Know where to take shelter.
- Prepare an emergency kit with water, a battery-powered radio, non perishable foods and first aid supplies.
- Listen for information about what to do and where to go during an emergency.
Other Tips:
- Stay in the coolest place available. If outdoors stay in the shade. If indoors use an air conditioner if possible.
- When temperatures are above 95º F, go to air-conditioned public places if you don’t have air conditioning at home, even if you don’t feel overly hot.
- Drink plenty of cool water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
- Eat light. Limit cooking to keep indoor temperatures lower.
- Dress in loose fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing. Wear a hat to protect your head from the sun.
- Bathe or shower frequently using cool water.
- Limit activity in the middle of the day when temperatures are hottest.
- Do not increase salt or potassium intake without consulting your MD.
- Check all medications with your pharmacist for increased risk of heat related illness.
- If you feel unusually weak, dizzy, or confused, call your MD or 911.
- Check on elderly or chronically ill relatives, neighbors, and friends.
Summer Safety for Pets
- Provide plenty of shade for outdoor animals.
- Provide fresh cool water daily for outdoor animals.
- Never leave animals alone in a vehicle.
- Watch for coolant leaking from your vehicle - drinking just a small amount can cause death.
- Do not force your animal to exercise after a meal in hot, humid weather and limit exercise to early morning or evening hours.
- Never leave your pet standing on asphalt surfaces.
- Pets can get sunburned too, and your pet may require sunscreen on the nose and ear tips.
HELPFUL CONTACT INFORMATION
St. Louis United Way Referral Hotline… 1-800-427-4626 or 2-1-1 from a cell phone for cooling sites & other heat-related problems.
Cool Down St. Louis……….. 241-7668
Homebound seniors meals………. 612-5918
Housing Resource Center………… 802-5444
Citizens' Service Bureau…………. 622-4800 for removal of debris, requests for assistance from City agencies, or complaints.
Operation Weather Survival https://www.weather.gov/lsx/ows
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Department:
Department of Health
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Topic:
Health
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