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This fact sheet is
available in:
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 PDF files require a free reader. Download
a reader. This document was produced in cooperation with the Emergency
Management Division of the Washington State Military Department.
Hot Weather Precautions
Severe heat may cause illness or even death. When temperatures rise to
extreme highs, reduce risks by taking the following precautions.
Hot weather precautions to reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and heat
stroke
- Stay indoors and in an air-conditioned environment as much as
possible unless you're sure your body has a high tolerance for heat.
- Drink plenty of fluids but avoid beverages that contain alcohol,
caffeine or a lot of sugar.
- Eat more frequently but make sure meals are balanced and light.
- Never leave any person or pet in a parked vehicle.
- Avoid dressing babies in heavy clothing or wrapping them in warm
blankets.
- Check frequently on people who are elderly, ill or may need help. If
you might need help, arrange to have family, friends or neighbors check
in with you at least twice a day throughout warm weather periods.
- Make sure pets have plenty of water.
- Salt tablets should only be taken if specified by your doctor. If
you are on a salt-restrictive diet, check with a doctor before
increasing salt intake.
- If you take prescription diuretics, antihistamines, mood-altering or
antispasmodic drugs, check with a doctor about the effects of sun and
heat exposure.
- Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun. Awnings or
louvers can reduce the heat entering a house by as much as 80 percent.
If you go outside
- Plan strenuous outdoor activities for early or late in the day when
temperatures are cooler; then gradually build up tolerance for warmer
conditions.
- Take frequent breaks when working outdoors.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat, sun block and light-colored, loose-fitting
clothes when outdoors.
- At first signs of heat illness (dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle
cramps), move to a cooler location, rest for a few minutes and slowly
drink a cool beverage. Seek medical attention immediately if you do not
feel better.
- Avoid sunburn: it slows the skin's ability to cool itself. Use a
sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (sun protection factor) rating.
- Avoid extreme temperature changes. A cool shower immediately after
coming in from hot temperatures can result in hypothermia, particularly
for elderly or very young people.
If the power goes out or air conditioning is not available
- If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out
of the sunshine.
- Ask your doctor about any prescription medicine you keep
refrigerated. (If the power goes out, most medicine will be fine to
leave in a closed refrigerator for at least 3 hours.)
- Keep a few bottles of water in your freezer; if the power goes out,
move them to your refrigerator and keep the doors shut.
DOH Pub 821-040
Revised - October 2006
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