Fill-in-Blank News Release for County Health Departments

For Release: _____, 2006
Contact: __________
_____ County Health Department
(Phone)

County Health Department Offers Heat Safety Tips

With triple digit temperatures forecast for the next several days, local citizens should continue to take precautions to protect their health against heat-related illnesses that may cause heat stroke or death.

“The elderly, infants and young children are at higher of risk of heat-related illnesses. They may not be able to adjust to increases in air temperatures, or may take medications that decrease their ability to deal with heat,” said _____County Health Department Administrative Director _____.

“Heat precautions are also advised for persons with heart, lung or kidney problems and persons whose occupations require them to work outdoors,” _____ added.

To reduce the potential for health hazards, the _____ County Health Department would like to offer the following heat safety tips:

• Reduce your activity level and seek a cooler environment. Plan strenuous outdoor activities for cooler parts of the day.
• If outdoors, don’t forget to use a sunscreen and take frequent breaks when working outdoors.
• Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle during hot weather.
• Drink plenty of fluids such as water, fruit and vegetable juices. Avoid beverages that contain alcohol, caffeine or large amounts of sugar.
• Eat more frequently but make sure meals are well balanced and light.
• Avoid hot foods and heavy meals.
• Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight. This allows your body to maintain normal temperatures.
• Cool the body by taking cool baths or showers. Apply wet towels, or wear damp clothing.
• Avoid bundling babies in heavy blankets or heavy clothing.
• Keep air circulating through the use of air conditioners, fans or open window. Air circulation is important because it carries heat away from the body.
• If you take medications, ask your physician if they are likely to interfere with your ability to sweat.
• Ask a physician or pharmacist about the effects of sun and heat exposure if taking prescription medications such as diuretics, antihistamines, mood-altering or antispasmodic drugs.
• Stay indoors in an air-conditioned environment as much as possible unless your heat tolerance is well established. If air conditioning is not available, pull shades over windows and use fans to cool rooms. Open windows on opposite sides of a room for cross ventilation.
• Check frequently on ill or elderly friends, relatives and neighbors who may need help.

“Cooling centers” – air conditioned public places to get a break from the heat – include the following locations: (fill in local places here – library, public buildings, community center, etc. – wherever the public can go in your community to cool down for a significant period of time.)

“If you experience signs of heat stress such as dizziness, rapid heartbeat, diarrhea, nausea, cramps, throbbing headache, dry skin (no sweating), chest pain, great weakness, mental changes, breathing problems, or vomiting, please contact your health care provider immediately,” _____ said.

(Optional): For more information about heat-related illnesses and heat safety tips, contact the _____County Health Department at (phone number).

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