Hot Weather Preparedness

The elderly, young children, those who are overweight and those who have chronic health conditions (like heart disease or diabetes) are especially at risk of dehydration and overheating. This can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. The following suggestions can help you avoid heat-related illnesses:

The first sign of heat illness is often heat cramps. ​Some of the signs of heat exhaustion​ are heavy sweating​, ​cold pale clammy skin, headache, nausea​,​ vomiting, muscle or abdominal cramping, fast weak pulse, fainting, weakness, thirst or ​an ​altered ability to think​. If someone has signs of heat exhaustion, immediately take ​the person​ to a cool place and provide water or a sports drink. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention by calling 911 ​at once.​

Heat stroke, the most serious heat-related illness, occurs when the body temperature increases to 104°F or higher and requires immediate medical treatment. Symptoms include hot dry and reddened skin (no longer able to sweat), nausea and vomiting, rapid irregular pulse, seizures, confusion and disorientation​,​ and delirium.​ Call 911 immediately.​

Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off. Air conditioning is the strongest protective factor against heat-related illness. Exposure to air conditioning for even a few hours a day will reduce the risk for heat-related illness. Consider visiting a shopping mall or public library for a few hours.

Whether you are working outdoors, attending social functions or relaxing by the water, it is important to take the proper precautions in warm weather.

For more information, go to Sun Safety and Sun and Water Safety.

Hydration Station (PDF) Summer Food Safety Extreme Heat in Maryland and Maryland Heat Reports (MDH) Extreme Heat: A Prevention Guide (CDC)