Take Precautions to Beat the Heat
News Release: July 17, 2006
Contact: Janice Osborne, director-Communications and Marketing; (610) 865-4400, ext. 262

With a blast of heat and humidity forecasted for the next several days, the Lehigh Valley "Beat the Heat Committee" urges people to take special precautions in dealing with the prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

“Heat can kill by pushing the human body beyond its limits. In extreme heat and high humidity, the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature,” according to Cordelia Miller, director of emergency services for the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley. “All across the Northeast, elderly people, young children, and those who are sick or overweight are more likely to become victims of extreme summertime heat.”

The Beat the Heat Committee is comprised of representatives from the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley, the Allentown and Bethlehem health bureaus, area senior citizens centers, the Lehigh and Northampton area agencies on aging and LANTA.


• 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, 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.

• Be sure your air conditioner is in good working order.

• 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.

• Never leave a child unattended in a car.

• Also, remember never to leave a pet unattended in a car. Even with the windows cracked, your pet can quickly suffer heat stroke and even die. If your pet is outdoors, make sure they have plenty of fresh, cool drinking water and shade. 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.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves more than 660,000 residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross provided health and safety education training; Lifeline, a personal response service for seniors; and emergency relief to more than 20,000 Greater Lehigh Valley residents. For more information about the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley or volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.