Tips for Keeping Cool in Hot Weather

Now is the time to prepare for the high temperatures that kill hundreds of people every year. Extreme heat caused 7,415 heat-related deaths in the United States from 1999 through 2010. Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable, yet many people die from extreme heat each year.

Those who are at highest risk include people 65 and older, children younger than two, and people with chronic diseases or mental illness. Closely monitor people who depend on you for their care and ask these questions:

Are they drinking enough water?

Do they have access to air conditioning?

Do they need help keeping cool?

People at greatest risk for heat-related illness can take the following protective actions to prevent illness or death:

Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible.

Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device during an extreme heat event.

Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.

Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.

Don’t use the stove or oven to cook—it will make you and your house hotter.

Don’t Forget Your Pets Either!

Always try to have water available even if that means having two water bowls.

Make sure there is plenty of shade when your pet is outside. As the sun changes, be aware of what shade is still available.

Don’t over-exercise your pet, especially midday. Schedule walks for early morning or late afternoon or evening.

If you are walking your pets, try to keep them in the grass or dirt. Hot pavement is just as sensitive for pets’ paws as it is for our bare feet. The pads on their feet can burn and cause them to overheat more quickly. After the walk, check their paws for pain or redness and use cold water to ease the burn.

Recognize the symptoms of overheating in pets, which may include: excessive panting, drooling, weakness, seizures, diarrhea and vomiting.

Some animals are more susceptible to heat exhaustion, including older/younger pets, overweight pets, sick pets, pets with flat faces such as pugs and Persian cats.

NEVER leave your pet in a hot car. Temperatures rise rapidly and your pet could succumb to heat stroke in a matter of minutes.