Heat Safety Tips

Beat the heat this summer with our Red Cross safety tips for heat exhaustion and heat stroke!

Heat Exhaustion Symptoms: Cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness and exhaustion.

If you notice someone experiencing these symptoms, here are some helpful tips! First, you’ll want to move them to a cooler place. Next you’ll need to remove or loosen tight clothing and spray the person with water or apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Try fanning the person. If they are conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Be sure to watch for changes in condition. If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.

Heat Stroke Symptoms: Hot, red skin which may be dry or moist, changes in consciousness, and vomiting and high body temperature.

In you find yourself or someone around you in this life threatening situation, here’s what to do: First, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately if someone shows signs of heat stroke. After calling 9-1-1, move the person to a cooler place. Next you’ll need to quickly cool the person’s body by immersing them up to their neck in cold water if possible. Otherwise, douse or spray the person with cold water, or cover the person with cold, wet towels or bags of ice.

For more information on how to best beat the heat, visit our website at redcross.org.