Be careful as summer heat continues grip

It took a little while for serious heat to arrive in our region this year, but since the latter part of June we’ve seen more than our share of days over 90 degrees and with stifling humidity.

Soaring temperatures can be dangerous, especially when we experience them for days or even weeks at a time. People must be mindful of this and take steps to protect themselves in summer heat.

The American Red Cross has steps people can follow to help stay safe when it’s hot outside.

• Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. The temperature of a car’s interior can quickly reach 120 degrees.

• Stay hydrated, drink plenty of fluids. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.

• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors as they absorb the sun’s rays.

• Continue to wear cloth face coverings in public. Face coverings are most essential when social distancing is difficult.

• Slow down, stay indoors. Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.

• Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.

• Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.

Be aware that excessive heat can lead to sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

If someone is experiencing heat cramps in the legs or abdomen, get them to a cooler place, have them rest, lightly stretch the affected muscle, and replenish their fluids with a half a glass (about 4 ounces) of cool water every 15 minutes.

If someone is exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion (cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness exhaustion), have them move to a cooler place, remove or loosen tight clothing and spray themselves with water or apply cool, wet cloths or towels to their skin. If they are conscious, ask them to drink small amounts of cool water. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in condition.

If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1.

Be aware that heat stroke is life-threatening. Signs include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting and high body temperature. Call 9-1-1 immediately if someone shows signs of heat stroke. Move the person to a cooler place if possible. Douse or spray the person with cold water, or cover the person with cold, wet towels or bags of ice.

Humans aren’t the only ones in danger this time of year. Check on pets frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat. Make sure they have plenty of shade and cool water.

Heat strokes are a common problem for animals. Some of the signs of heat stroke in your pet are:

• Heavy panting and unable to calm down, even when lying down.

• Brick red gum color

• Fast pulse rate

• Unable to get up.

If you suspect your pet has heat stroke, take their temperature rectally. If the temperature is above 105 degrees, cool the animal down. The easiest way to do this is by using the water hose. Stop cooling the animal when the temperature reaches 103 degrees. Bring your pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible, as heat stroke can lead to severe organ dysfunction and damage.

We need to offer one last warning when it comes to dealing with summer heat. Those who want to cool off in the water should do so at places designated for that purpose.

Rivers, quarries and the like are extremely dangerous for swimmers and bathers, and if something goes wrong, there’s not likely to be anyone nearby to help. Just this past week there was a drowning in a Berks County quarry. We realize it’s challenging to find water recreation this year with fewer pools in operation and crowd limits on the places that are open, but that doesn’t justify taking an extreme risk.