Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) is sending this reminder about heat safety due to the unusually high and potentially record-breaking heat predicted in much of Tennessee this holiday weekend.
Do NOT leave children or animals in parked cars for any length of time.
Stay Cool:
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing
- Stay inside in air conditioning
- Limit outdoor activities to cooler morning and evening hours
- Seek shade outdoors
- Pace yourself when doing outdoor activities
- Wear sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher
Stay Hydrated:
- Drink plenty of fluids and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink
- Avoid sugary or alcoholic drinks, which actually cause you to lose body fluids
Stay Informed:
Follow local media and authorities for news about extreme heat alerts
- Know the signs of heat-related illness
- Signs of heat stroke include hot, red, dry or damp skin; fast, strong pulse; headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; fainting and/or body temperature of 103º or higher. Heat stroke is a medical emergency – call 911 right away if you suspect someone’s having heat stroke.
- Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating; cold, pale, clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; nausea; cramps; weakness; dizziness; headache and/or fainting.
- Monitor loved ones, especially those at high-risk for heat-related illness including infants and young children, adults over age 65 and people with medical issues.
Safe and Healthy Swimming:
Find tips at www.tn.gov/health/news/2019/5/20/splash-into-summer-with-safe-swimming-tips.html.
Find more tips on staying safe and healthy in hot weather at www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heattips.html.
