Community Corner

Water, Shade, and AC: Tips for Staying Safe in the Heat

Officials are urging residents to know the signs of heat-related illnesses.

News flash: it's hot out there—and it's likely to stay that way into the weekend.

With high humidity and temperatures in the 90s expected over the next few days, the Prince George's County Health Department is urging residents to play it safe, stay cool, and keep an eye out for the signs of heat-related illnesses.

Officials issued the following tips this week:

Find out what's happening in Laurelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

What to look out for
  • Everyone is vulnerable to heat-related illnesses when their bodies are unable to properly cool themselves. In such cases, a person’s body temperature rises rapidly and may damage the brain and or other vital organs. We encourage all residents to check on the elderly, neighbors, family and friends.  
  • Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness that occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature and is unable to cool down. With the potential for body temperature to rise to 105 degrees or higher, individuals may begin to exhibit symptoms such as red dry skin, disorientation, delirium, and nausea. 
  • Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several hours of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include muscle cramps, dizziness, weakness and/or headaches. 
  • Children, the elderly and those that suffer from chronic heart or lung conditions are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness because they are unable to adjust to sudden changes in temperatures.

What to do at work

  • Avoid the heat
  • Reduce activity
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Adjust schedule to start earlier if you work outdoors (if possible) 

What to do outdoors

Find out what's happening in Laurelwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • Wear light colored clothing, a hat and sunscreen
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Take frequent rest breaks in the air conditioning or shade
  • Even in cool temperatures, cars can heat up to dangerous temperatures very quickly. Do not leave children, infants or pets in cars any length of time, even if the windows are cracked. Children who are left unattended in parked cars are at the greatest risk for heat stroke, and possibly death. 
  • When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your co-workers and have someone do the same for you. Limit heavy exertion when high levels of heat and humidity are present and avoid the hottest period of the day between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. 

What to do at home

  • Check on relatives and friends, especially the elderly
  • Increase time spent in air-conditioned environments like libraries, malls, and movie theatres
  • Eat smaller meals, more often
  • Take cool bathes
  • Make sure pets have access to water and shade


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