With daily temperatures reaching the high 90s and surpassing 100 with the heat index, it is important to understand how to handle such conditions.
Although it does not take much for residents to feel that it is extremely hot outside, there are certain measures to take to make sure the heat does not get the best of them and in some instances lead to health issues.
According to St. Johns County Fire and Rescue, a person’s body has the ability to cool itself, but extreme hot or humid weather can make this ability more challenging.
As a result, when the body heats too rapidly to cool itself properly or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, the body temperature will rise sometimes to levels that create health concerns.
Heat-related illnesses can include heat exhaustion or heat stroke and there are certain signs to look for to help spot the differences between the two.
According to the National Weather Service, heat exhaustion usually takes place prior to heat stroke and the symptoms for heat exhaustion include fainting or dizziness, excessive sweating, cool, pale and clammy skin, nausea or vomiting and muscle cramps.
In the case of heat exhaustion, the NWS advises getting that person to a cooler place, preferably an area that is air-conditioned.
Drinking water to replenish fluids is also very important, but the act should only be performed if the person in question is fully conscious and shows the ability to drink the water.
Taking a cool shower or pressing a cold compress against their skin are other good ways to treat heat exhaustion.
Although heat stroke may seem similar to heat exhaustion, it is a much more advanced stage of heat-related illness and requires a different approach.
While a person with heat exhaustion would be sweating excessively, someone dealing with heat stroke would have reached the point of not sweating at all, and as a result, their body temperature will begin to climb more than 103 degrees and their skin will be red, hot and dry.
Other differences include those with heat stroke having a rapid heart rate and strong pulse compared to a rapid heart rate accompanied by a weak pulse for someone with heat exhaustion.
Once heat stroke is diagnosed calling 9-1-1 is the next step to be taken and while they wait for medical personnel to arrive, the National Weather Service instructs that they move the person to a cooler spot and attempt to cool the body temperature down by applying cold cloths or putting the person in a cold bath.
The NWS understands that the first inclination might be to give a person some water to drink if they are encountering an issue with the heat, but it is recommended not to provide anything to drink once it reaches the point of heat stroke.
With heat advisories a common occurrence throughout the state of Florida this time of year, the Florida Division of Emergency Management reminds people that the best way to battle the heat is to avoid being outdoors during the midday hours, and when they do go outside to drink plenty of fluids even when they do not feel thirsty as well as wearing loose, lightweight clothing that is also light-colored.
