It's HOT - here's how to cope

Summer has hit with a vengeance and weekend temperatures are predicted to be dangerously high across the state. It’s important for residents to take preventive measures in extreme heat conditions.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urges everyone to take care to protect themselves from the effects of extreme heat.
Most heat disorders occur because the victim has been overexposed to heat or has over-exercised for his or her age and physical condition. Older adults, young children, and those who are sick or overweight are more likely to succumb to extreme heat.
To prepare for extreme heat, you should cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers. Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent.
When the weather is extremely hot, stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun. Consider spending the warmest part of the day in air-conditioned public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, and shopping malls.
Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles. Even at home, check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.
Postpone outdoor games and activities, and protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
Drink plenty of water, and avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol. Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day, and take frequent breaks.

Extreme heat brings with it the possibility of heat-induced illnesses. Simple first aid treatment can relieve symptoms of over-exposure and even save lives.
For heat cramps, move the person to a cooler location. Lightly stretch and gently massage affected muscles to relieve spasms, and give the person sips of cool water every 15 minutes.
Heat exhaustion is evidenced by dizziness, nausea and exhaustion, as well as pale, cool skin. Get the person to lie down in a cool place and loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths, and give the person sips of water.
Heat stroke can be a severe medical emergency and requires immediate attention. With heat stroke, the person will probably not sweat unless sweating from a recent strenuous activity. The person will probably have hot, red skin and a rapid, weak pulse and rapid, shallow breathing. They might be unconsciousness. Call 9-1-1 or emergency medical services, or get the person to a hospital immediately. Move them to a cooler environment and try a cool bath or wet sheet to reduce body temperature.

Fire safety is another concern during times of sustained high temperatures, said Pierce-Polk VFD Fire Chief Jeff Miller.
The biggest problem is overloading the electrical system of a home, he said. Multiple air conditioning units and/or multiple fans throughout a home can overtax the electrical system, leading to a fire.
“You have AC units in every window pulling 300 amps power from 220 amp service,” he said.
Miller also cautions residents to always plug AC units and fans directly into the wall. Do not use power strips or extension cords, he warns.

Duke Energy offers these tips for managing electricity costs in the heat:
■Set your AC to the highest comfortable setting. The further your thermostat setting is from the temperature outside, the higher your energy bill can be.
■Change your air filters monthly. A dirty air filter can make a cooling system work harder, which uses more energy.
■Close blinds and curtains to keep the sun’s rays from heating your house.
■Use fans to circulate air. If you have a whole-house fan, use it to pull cool air into your home at night or early morning. Ceiling fans increase air movement, which makes the air feel cooler.