When it's hot out, it's important to keep your temperature stable. Hot weather isn't just uncomfortable—it can be downright dangerous. The first step to keeping yourself safe: know the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
I’m Chris Parks with North Star Services, LLC and I’m going to explain the differences between heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and how to prevent both.
What is Heat Exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion is the precursor to the more serious condition of heatstroke, and is a direct result of the body overheating.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
Heavy sweating
Rapid pulse
Dizziness
Fatigue
Cool, moist skin with goose bumps while in a warm environment
Muscle cramps
Nausea
Headache
When these symptoms kick in, get out of the heat immediately and rest. Drink water or a sports drink. Try to cool down with a cool shower, soak in a cool tub, or put cold towels on your skin. Also, loosen your clothes and remove any unnecessary or tight clothing.
What Is Heatstroke?
Heatstroke is more serious, and requires immediate medical attention. Call 911 if someone is experiencing heatstroke.
Symptoms of heatstroke include:
High body temperature, but no sweating
Blurred or double vision
Headache
Muscle cramps
Vomiting
Nausea
Dizziness
Hot, dry, flushed skin
Delirium and unconsciousness can occur as condition progresses
Once you've called 911, remove the person's clothing and sponge them down with cool water or put them into a cool bath. Continue this until their temperature decreases. Remember, never try to give water or other fluids to someone who is unconscious.
Preventing Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke
It's important to remember that you don't necessarily have to be doing strenuous exercise outside to develop heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Being in a hot, unventilated room is enough to trigger these conditions, as the temperature can be even hotter than outside. Children and older people are especially vulnerable.
People don't recover quickly from heatstroke. While the key is bringing body temperature down, the body's regulatory system can be thrown out of whack and take a long time to recover.
How to prevent heat exhaustion and heatstroke:
Drink plenty of water even if you don't feel thirsty, and know when water isn't enough. If you're out working or playing in the heat—especially students at sports practice at the beginning of the school year—you may need to consider a sports drink that will replace the salt and electrolytes in your blood stream
Don't leave anyone in a parked car—not a child, pet, or adult. Even on an 88 degree day, the inside of the car can spike to well over 100 degrees in a relatively short period of time
Stay out of the sun from 10 am to 3 pm when heat is usually strongest
Reduce outdoor physical activity on hot days
Wear a wide-brimmed hat and loose-fitting clothes in light colors
Set the thermostat to between 75 and 80. If you don't have air conditioning, seek out local areas with AC such as a mall, or a movie theater, etc.
Avoid diuretics like alcohol and caffeine
Wear sunscreen that is at least SPF 15 if you go outside in the sun and reapply often
Check on your neighbors. People who are elderly, young, or sick may be at greater risk in hot weather
Don't forget your pets! Make sure they have plenty of fresh water and somewhere cool to wait out the hot weather
Request A Free Inspection Today
As a certified IICRC restoration and remediation company in Nashville, Berry Hill & throughout Middle Tennessee, North Star Services, LLC uses state-of-the-art equipment to inspect and treat both commercial and residential properties. We provide free mold and other restoration inspections. And, are available 24/7, 365 days a year for emergencies such as water damage, fire damage, trauma cleanup, flood and storm damage and more. Contact us at 629-221-0638 or request a free estimate now.