COLUMBUS, GA -
According
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 600 people die
every year from extreme heat. Temperatures have been in the low to mid 90s for
most days this week, but by this weekend, we could see the heat rising to over
100 degrees.
"You
need to drink lots of water. You don't want to drink alcoholic beverages or
overly sugary beverages and that type thing," said Ed Saidla, with the
West Central Health District.
Saidla says if you have to go
outside, you need to take precautions. "You want to take breaks as much as
possible. You should wear light colored clothing that is loose fitting so that
you get some air movement, and it helps reflect some of the heat back off."
Also,
when you are outside, you need to watch for signs of heat exhaustion like heavy
sweating weakness, cold, pale, clammy skin, fast and weak pulse, nausea or vomiting,
and fainting.
Heat stroke symptoms are high
body temperature, hot, red, dry or moist skin, rapid pulse, and possible
unconsciousness. Experts say the heat can be extremely dangerous for children
and the elderly. They suggest checking on elderly family members or neighbors
several times during hot days to make sure they are okay.
Saidla
also says to never leave your child unattended in your car. "Even just
running in the store for just a second with a child in the car, anytime of the
year is extremely dangerous, but in heat like this it can be deadly."
Being
locked in a car can be just as dangerous for your pets. Doctor Hank Hall
with Northside Animal Hospital in Columbus says during a 70 degree day outside
temperatures inside your car can rise to 150 degrees in minutes.
Hall
says dogs like humans can have heat strokes in extreme heat. "Symptoms are
the constant hassling and panting with the tongue hanging out. The dog panting
and just doesn't seem to catch up. It's like if we were to run a mile out here
and just trying to get your wind back."
If
your dog has those symptoms, Hall says you need to act quickly and call your
veterinarian.
"You want to get them in
some cool water and some wet towels. Put a towel over him to get his
temperature down," said Hall.
To help your pet beat the heat,
give them plenty of fresh water, take walks during the coolest time of the day,
and provide shade for outdoor pets.
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Experts say the heat can be extremely dangerous for children and the elderly.
According to Dr. Hall dogs like humans can have heat strokes in extreme heat.
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