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Rhode Islanders Reminded About Heat Precautions

 

In advance of the heat expected this weekend, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is reminding all Rhode Islanders about safety tips to keep themselves healthy and safe.

 

Normally, when you get hot, your body cools itself by sweating. But when it is very hot and humid, sweating isn’t enough, and your body temperature can rise very quickly. High temperatures can cause heat stroke, heat exhaustion, or heat cramps. Certain populations are at increased risk for heat-related illness during periods of extreme heat. These populations include babies and young children, older adults, and people who work outdoors.

 

When you are outside during extreme heat:

 

When you are inside during extreme heat:

 

Watch for warning signs:

Check on friends, family, and neighbors during periods of extreme heat. Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating; cold, pale, and clammy skin; nausea or vomiting, tiredness; dizziness; headache. If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion, move them to a cool place; put a cool, wet cloth on their body; have them sip water. Call medical help if symptoms get worse or last longer than one hour.

 

More information:

Some cities and towns have cooling centers open to those who need shelter during periods of extreme heat. To find a cooling center near you, call 2-1-1 or visit: https://riema.ri.gov/planning-mitigation/resources-businesses/cooling-centers

 

For more information, see RIDOH’s page on Extreme Heat https://health.ri.gov/healthrisks/extremeheat/ or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) page on Extreme Heat https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.html