The Weather Guy: Hot Week Ahead: Review of Heat Safety Rules

With a high of 90° and an expectation of temperatures rising into the lower and middle 90's the rest of this week, I thought it would be a great time to go over some heat-related information. Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States.

In just 60 minutes a car can warm to 123° on the inside during an 80° day. It is imperative to never, ever leave your children or pet inside your automobile unattended.

Safety Tips for Concerning Children

Make sure your child's safety seat and safety belt buckles aren't too hot before securing your child in a safety restraint system, especially when your car has been parked in the heat.
Never leave your child unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows down.
Teach children not to play in, on, or around cars.
Always lock car doors and trunks--even at home--and keep keys out of children's reach.
Always make sure all children have left the car when you reach your destination. Don't leave sleeping infants in the car ever

Safety Tips for Adults

Slow down. Reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day. Children, seniors and anyone with health problems should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
Dress for summer. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.
Put less fuel on your inner fires. Foods, like meat and other proteins that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss.
Drink plenty of water, non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don't feel thirsty. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney or liver disease, are on fluid restrictive diets or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a physician before increasing their consumption of fluids. Do not drink alcoholic beverages and limit caffeinated beverages.
During excessive heat periods, spend more time in air-conditioned places. Air conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, go to a library, store or other location with air conditioning for part of the day.
Don't get too much sun. Sunburn reduces your body's ability to dissipate heat.
Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician.