Public Health Heat Warning declared

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - Public Health – Dayton & Montgomery County has announced a “Public Health Heat Warning” in effect beginning Thursday, June 28, for Montgomery County and the surrounding counties. This warning is expected to continue for several days, and will be in effect until further notice. Additional information is available by calling the Heat Line at 913-2000.

The “Public Health Heat Warning” is being declared because weather forecasts are anticipating dangerous heat conditions for multiple days that will generate additional heat stress for the general population. The primary reason for the public notification is that we expect a prolonged stretch of days with daytime temperatures in excess of 90 degrees, coupled with an equally long stretch of nighttime lows well in excess of 70 degrees. These types of conditions cause those without air conditioning to experience significant physical and mental stress. When nighttime lows fail to drop below 70 degrees, the human body has a difficult time recovering from the ongoing heat.

Public Health is stressing that everyone needs to take precautions to prevent heat related illnesses. Physical activity should be limited as much as possible. Individuals are also encouraged to minimize prolonged exposure to high heat conditions.

Since a “Public Health Heat Warning” has been declared, those agencies and jurisdictions that have heat mitigation plans should implement those plans now. Those plans vary by jurisdiction and agency.

Public Health recommends that everyone pay particular attention to the following suggestions to prevent heat-related illness:

• Drink plenty of water and non-alcoholic fluids. Put the alcoholic
beverages away until cooler weather. Alcoholic drinks can increase
a person's risk to heat-related illnesses.
• Decrease physical activity. This is particularly advisable for joggers
and high school or junior high school athletic teams. Exercise activities should
occur in the morning or early in the evening. Stay in the shade as much
as possible.
• Use air conditioning, if available. Many public buildings, libraries, malls,
and other locations are air-conditioned.
• Wear loose lightweight and light-colored cotton clothing.
• Eat light meals.
• Cool down with showers, baths, and recreational swimming.
• Adjust blinds, shades, and awnings to keep out the sun.
• Use your basement, if it is cool, during the hottest hours.
• Use a circulating fan. A fan may not help unless it brings cooler
air into the dwelling. Some fans may even increase heat stress in
very hot weather.
• Be a good neighbor and check on those who may need assistance.
• Individuals with chronic health problems, such as heart disease
or lung problems, should minimize activities because the heat
will add additional stress.
• Extra caution should be taken for the elderly and young infants
and children to assure that they are protected from the heat.
• Children and pets should not be left unattended in closed
vehicles. Temperatures can reach dangerous levels rapidly.
• Individuals on various medications should check with their
doctor to see if the heat puts them at increased risk.

Background on heat information
High temperatures and humidity stress the body's ability to cool itself, and heat illness becomes a special concern. There are three major forms of heat illnesses: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke, with heat stroke being a life threatening condition.

Heat Cramps
Heat cramps are muscle spasms which usually affect the arms, legs, or stomach. Frequently they don't occur until sometime later after work, at night, or when relaxing. Heat cramps are caused by dehydration. Although heat cramps can be quite painful, they usually don't result in permanent damage. To prevent them, drink water every 15 to 20 minutes. Sports drinks that replace electrolytes help prevent a loss of sodium caused by excessive sweating. If nausea occurs discontinue fluids and seek medical attention.

Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is more serious than heat cramps. It occurs when the body's internal air-conditioning system is overworked, but hasn't completely shut down. This condition can occur when you don't drink enough fluids to replace what you're sweating away. The symptoms of heat exhaustion include headache, nausea, weakness, dizziness, heavy perspiration and extreme thirst. Somebody suffering these symptoms should be moved to a cool location such as a shaded area or air-conditioned building. Have them lie down with their feet slightly
elevated. Loosen their clothing, apply cool, wet cloths or fan them. Have them take sips of water or sports drinks. If nausea occurs, discontinue fluids. If vomiting continues or if little to no improvement after 30 minutes, seek immediate medical attention. Victims of heat exhaustion should avoid strenuous activity for at least a day, and they should continue to drink water to replace lost body fluids.

Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a life threatening illness with a