Tips for beating the heat

HOOVER, AL (WBRC) - It doesn't take long to feel the sun beating down on you or for you to start sweating in the summer heat.

The Alabama Department of Public Health is warning people to "modify your activities to avoid heat-related illnesses."

It's particularly concerning for people who have to do most of their work outdoors like landscapers, road workers, even firefighters.

"Well that's one of the biggest things we worry about," said Rusty Lowe, Hoover Fire Executive Officer.

Lowe says crews often times have an extra 60 pounds of gear on doing their job in the elements.

"So what we do is monitor their progress and every so often, usually within about 10 or 15 minutes, we try and rotate the crews out.  And we also have a rehab unit.  It has water. It has ice," said Lowe.

Bottom line, if you're going to be outside for work or pleasure, you have to take precautions in these conditions.

"Just take a rest.  You know hydrate yourself, cool yourself down for a little bit and start back to work," said Lowe.

The following information is from the Alabama Department of Health:

Heat Precautions:

· Drink more fluids, and avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine.
· When temperatures are extreme, stay indoors, ideally in an air-conditioned place.
· Take a cool shower or bath, and reduce or eliminate strenuous activities during the hottest times of the day.
· For those persons who work outside, take frequent breaks to cool off and drink lots of water and electrolyte replacement beverages to replace lost fluids.
· Protect yourself from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and use of a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.
· Never leave pets or people in a parked vehicle.

Heat Stroke Warning Signs:

· An extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees F)
· Red, hot and dry skin (no sweating)
· Rapid, strong pulse
· Throbbing headache
· Dizziness
· Nausea
· Confusion
· Unconsciousness

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