As summer temperatures rise, Carson City Health and Human Services would like to remind residents to stay safe in the heat.
Extreme heat can be dangerous, especially for older adults, young children and people with certain health conditions. Heat-related illnesses can happen quickly and may become serious if not treated properly.
Understanding heat-related illnesses
Heat illnesses happen when the body is not able to cool itself properly. This can be caused by high temperatures, humidity, or physical activity in the heat. People who are not used to hot weather are more likely to get sick.
Other risk factors include:
• Exercising or working outside in the heat
• Drinking alcohol before or during heat exposure
• Taking certain medications (like water pills or medicine for depression or ADHD)
• Wearing too much clothing
The two most common heat-related illnesses are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. It is important to know the signs of each.
Signs of heat exhaustion:
• Cool, pale, or clammy skin
• Fast, weak pulse
• Dizziness or fainting
• Headache
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea
• Feeling tired or weak
Heat exhaustion is serious, but it can be treated if caught early. Move to a cooler place, loosen clothing, sip water, and apply cool clothes to the body.
Signs of heat stroke:
• High body temperature (103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher)
• Hot, red, dry skin with no sweating
• Fast, strong pulse
• Confusion or dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Loss of consciousness
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 911 right away if someone shows these symptoms. While waiting for help, cool the person down with water, move them to a shady area, and avoid giving them anything to drink if they are not fully awake.
How to stay safe in the heat
Preventing heat-related illness is possible by following these simple safety tips:
• Plan outdoor activities wisely: Avoid physical activity during the hottest parts of the day. Try to schedule outdoor activities in the early morning or evening. Never leave children or pets in a parked car. Temperatures inside a car can rise quickly and become deadly in minutes.
• Dress for the weather: Wear light, loose-fitting clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the sun. Use sunscreen with SPF and reapply it regularly, especially after swimming or sweating. Sunburn makes it harder for your body to cool down.
• Stay hydrated: Drink water often, even if you do not feel thirsty. Older adults and people who are active should drink more water during hot weather. Sports drinks or snacks like fruits and vegetables can help replace lost salt and minerals.
• Keep cool indoors: Stay inside air-conditioned buildings when possible. Swamp coolers work well in Carson City’s dry climate. If home cooling is not available, visit public places like libraries or shopping centers. Use fans to help bring cooler air into the home at night by opening windows.
Protecting against mosquito bites
Warmer temperatures also mean mosquitoes are more active. Mosquito bites can cause illness, so it is important to take steps to protect yourself:
• Use insect repellent: Choose a repellent registered with the Environmental Protection Agency. Common active ingredients include DEET, picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE). Do not use OLE on children under three years old. Always follow the directions on the label.
• Wear protective clothing: When mosquitoes are active, wear long sleeves, pants, socks, and shoes. Clothing can be treated with permethrin, but never apply permethrin directly to the skin.
• Keep mosquitoes out of the home: Make sure windows and doors have working screens. Keep unscreened windows and doors closed. Use air conditioning if possible.
Carson City Health and Human Services encourages all residents to stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay safe this summer.
Taking these precautions can help prevent serious heat-related health problems and keep the community healthy and comfortable throughout the season.
For information about services and programs available to you through Carson City Health and Human Services, visit gethealthycarsoncity.org, or call 775-887-2195. You can visit the CCHHS office at 900 E. Long St., in Carson City or follow CCHHS on Facebook at facebook.com/cchhs, or Instagram at GetHealthyCarsonCity.