High temperatures in Georgia raise health concerns

ATLANTA – With temperatures expected to be in the high 90’s throughout the state for the next
several days, and at times feeling like more than 100 degrees with the humidity, the Georgia
Department of Public Health (DPH) is urging Georgians to avoid prolonged exposure to the heat
and sun and to limit strenuous outdoor activity to prevent heat related illnesses.

To protect your health when temperatures are extremely high, remember to stay cool, stay
hydrated and stay informed.

STAY COOL
Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
Stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping
mall or public library or a friend or relative’s home – even a few hours spent in air conditioning
can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.
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 is a much better way to cool off.

NEVER leave infants, children, adults or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked
open. If you see anyone locked in a hot vehicle, call 911.
Avoid using heat-generating appliances like your stove and oven. Avoid hot and heavy meals
which will only add heat to your body.

Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. Cut down on exercise. If you must
exercise, take short breaks and stay hydrated.
When you are outdoors, protect yourself from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and
sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or
“UVA/UVB protection” on their labels).

STAY HYDRATED
Drink plenty of water even before you are thirsty. Don’t wait until you are already thirsty. Avoid
sugary or alcoholic beverages which can cause you to lose even more body fluid. Beware that
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very cold drinks can cause stomach cramps. As you lose salt and minerals from your body while
sweating, replace them. A sports drink will help with this.

STAY INFORMED
Prepare for extreme heat ahead of time by keeping an eye on local weather forecasts.
Use the buddy system to check on each other at least twice a day while working in extreme
heat. Heat-related illness can cause confusion or loss of consciousness.
Keep a close eye on those at greater risk for heat-related illness:
• Infants and young children
• People 65 years of age or older
• People who are overweight
• People who overexert during work or exercise
• People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or
who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation

If you are at greater risk for heat-related illness, have a friend or relative call to check on you
twice a day during a heat wave. If you know someone in this group, check on them at least
twice a day.

Learn the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to treat them.

And don’t forget your pets! Any time your pet is outside, make sure they have protection from
heat and sun, and that they have plenty of fresh, cold water. In heat waves, add ice to water
when possible. Tree shade and tarps are ideal because they don’t obstruct air flow. A doghouse
does not provide relief from heat—in fact, it makes it worse.

For more information about extreme heat and precautions to take to prevent heat-related
illnesses, log on to https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.html.