News for Families & Consumers
Heat related illness tips
The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Martha Partridge Family & Consumer Science Agent Lincoln & Wilkes Counties

Heat Guidelines:

.. Limit time outdoors if possible. Go outdoors during the coolest part of the day. Plan strenuous outdoor activity for early morning or late in the day. Stay in the shade if possible when going outdoors.

.. Drink lots of liquids. Drink water, diluted fruit juice, or sports beverages. Limit the intake of caffeinated drinks. Don't wait until you are thirsty to drink. Don't drink alcohol.

.. If going outside wear appropriate clothes. Loose fitting shirts and pants. Wide brimmed hats. Light colored clothes are preferred to dark colors.

.. When outside, monitor the health of others.

Signs of heat illness: .. Heavy sweating .. Paleness .. Muscle cramps .. Tiredness .. Weakness .. Dizziness .. Headache .. Nausea or vomiting .. Fainting .. Confusion or unclear thinking .. Feeling chilled

First aid for heat illness:

.. Call 911 or 706-542-2200 for medical assistance.

.. Get the victim to a shady area or air conditioned area.

.. Cool the victim down. Some methods of cooling the person down can include spraying the victim with water, using a sponge to apply water to the victim, and fanning the victim.

.. Have the victim drink cool water or sports drink.

For more suggestions consult the Center for Disease Control and Prevention at www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/ extremeheat/.