Excessive Heat
Stay cool! This is especially important for children, the elderly, and people with disabilities or chronic illnesses, all of whom are particularly vulnerable to heat. Volusia County Emergency Management officials recommend that people without air conditioning find cool indoor places when the temperatures soar.
Heat related illnesses
Heat exhaustion begins with heavy sweating, cold and clammy skin, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps weakness, dizziness, headache, and possible fainting. If you experience these symptoms, move to a cool place, loosen your clothes, put cool, wet clothes on your body or take a cool shower, and sip water. Seek medical attention immediately if you are vomiting, your symptoms get worse, or your symptoms last longer than one hour.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. It’s characterized by a body temperature of 103 degrees or higher, hot and red skin, rapid pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and possible loss of consciousness. Call 911 right away, move the person to a cooler place, and lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath. Do not give the person anything to drink.
Tips to keep your cool
The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County offers these tips to beat the heat.
Stay cool
- Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing.
- Stay indoors in air conditioning, especially during the hottest part of the day.
- Schedule outdoor activities for early morning or later evening hours to avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day.
- Wear sunscreen.
Stay hydrated
- Drink plenty of water.
- Replace salts and minerals by drinking sports drinks after excessive sweat.
- Stay away from sugary or alcoholic drinks.
Stay informed
- Check on your neighbors and friends.
- Know the warning signs of heat related illness and how to treat them.
- Check the news regularly for weather updates.
Additional precautions
If you feel overheated or unwell, act immediately. Stop any strenuous activity, go somewhere cool, drink water or an electrolyte beverage, and cool off by taking a cool shower or holding something cold against your skin. Call someone for help or call 911 – before your condition compromises your thinking skills.
Never, ever leave children, older adults or pets alone in a car.
Animals suffer in the heat too
Volusia County Animal Services recommends that pet owners follow these safety tips.
- Keep plenty of clean, cool drinking water available at all times.
