Tips to Stay Safe and Beat the Heat

Attleboro Fire Chief Scott Lachance, who also wears the hat of Emergency Managment Agency director for the city, has several tips on how to stay safe during extreme heat.

1. If working or performing physical activity outside, be sure to drink enough water. Four to 8 ounces of water before the activity and 4 to 8 ounces every hour is much better than drinking a large quantity at one time. 
2. If you feel thirsty, it is already too late. Thirst is a poor indicator of hydration status.
3. Since it is early in the seaon, it is not uncommon for people to not have air conditioners installed yet. This is especially true with the elderly.
4. Elderly are much more susceptible to heat emergencies. Their central nervous systems do not have the ability to regulate body temperature as well as younger people. They are also more prone to dehydration.  
5. It is important to ensure they drink sufficient water before the heat arrives. 
6. Children are also more prone to heat emergencies. Children have a higher "surface-to-mass" ratio than adults. This means they have a larger proportion of body surface exposed to the extreme temperature. This causes children to become hotter than adults when the temperature is high.
7. Be alert to the signs of heat emergencies: 

• Heat Cramps (abdomin, legs) caused by loss of electrolytes usually. Drinking a commercial electrolyte drink is usually all that is necessary.
• Heat Exhaustion. Usually the person feels very weak/tired, experiences profuse sweating, possible nauseau/vomiting and mild confusion. Skin may feel "clammy." Usually getting out of the heat and moving to a cool area and hydrating with water or an electrolyte drink is enough. If any doubts, call 911.     
• Heat Stroke. This is the worst of the three types of heat emergencies. Heat stroke is frequently fatal. It is caused by a complete loss of the body to maintain its temperature. Person will have hot, dry skin (no sweating), significant confusion. Unconsciousness or seizures are very likely. Because the brain becomes so hot, permanent brain damage is very likely, even with treatment. Call 911 immediately. Left untreated, heat exhaustion can deteriorate to heat stroke. If any doubt exists, call 911 and let the EMS professionals treat accordingly.