Beat the Heat, Think Prevention

The Lehigh Valley "Beat the Heat Committee" reminds the public to stay safe during this summer’s high heat and humidity.

The Beat the Heat Committee is comprised of the American Red Cross, Lehigh Valley Chapter; the Allentown and Bethlehem health bureaus; area Senior Citizens Centers; the Lehigh and Northampton area agencies on aging; and LANTA.

"High heat and humidity mean the potential for heat-related illness," Cordelia Miller, director of Emergency Services for the Red Cross, said. "Those especially at risk are very young children, elderly adults and people with chronic medical conditions or on certain medications."

Here are some tips to keep you and your loved ones safe this summer:

• Dress lightly – wear thin, loose, light-colored or white fabrics.
• Drink plenty of fluids – especially water – regularly and often. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.
• Eat small meals and eat more often.
• Take a cool shower or bath. Or, go for a swim at a local pool.
• Try to stay in the coolest room in the house. Better yet, take a trip to an air-conditioned mall, library or some other public building.
• If you have it, use air conditioning at least intermittently to keep the temperature below 90 degrees.
• Use a fan. Fans are most helpful at night to bring in cool air. Remember to open a window to create circulation. Fans directed outward to bring cool air from the basement or fans directed at your body to increase evaporation work better than fans bringing in hot air from the outside.
• Limit your physical activity -- as well as your child’s -- to the coolest times of the day – early morning or late evening.
• Establish a buddy system where you, a family member, a friend or a local volunteer check on the elderly on a daily basis during a heat wave.
• Remember that heat combined with humidity increases the likelihood of heat-related illness. An air temperature of 95 combined with 60 percent humidity equals a heat index of 114.
• Warning signs of heat stress: low energy, dizziness, nausea, headache. If you see signs of heat stress, get the person to a cool place as soon as possible.
• Warning signs of severe distress: extra fast heartbeat; confusion; diarrhea; vomiting; red, hot, dry skin; muscle cramps; chest pain; difficulty breathing. If you suspect severe distress, call for medical help immediately.
• Also, remember never to leave a pet unattended in a car. If your pet is outdoors, leave plenty of drinking water and check on your pet each day.

"By following these tips and using a little common sense and sympathetic caring, this summer can be a much safer one for us all," Miller said.

A "Beat The Heat – Think Prevention" tip sheet is available by calling the Allentown Health Bureau (610) 437-7598, the Bethlehem Health Bureau (610) 865-7087 or Red Cross Valley Wide Help (610) 435-7111. In addition, LANTA has posted "Beat the Heat" safety tips on its buses in order to reach a wider audience.