Heat Stress

Follow these tips adapted from Be Safe in Hot Weather by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill:

• Drink small amounts of cool water frequently, regardless of your activity level.
• Drink throughout the day.
• Replace salt and minerals. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.
• Wear appropriate clothing. Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
• Sunglasses and sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) are also recommended.
• Schedule outdoor work carefully. If outdoor work must be done in hot weather, try to limit it to morning hours.
• Limit sun exposure during mid-day hours.
• Consider rotating outdoor work schedules among co-workers.
• Pace yourself. Start slowly and pick up the pace gradually.
• Monitor yourself for signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
• Take time to cool down. Rest often in shady areas. A few hours in air conditioning can help you stay cooler for longer while in the heat.
• Use a buddy system. When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your co-workers and have someone do the same for you.
• Monitor those at high risk. Some people are at greater risk than others, including people:
  • Who are overweight
  • Who overexert themselves
  • With heart disease or high blood pressure
  • Who take certain medications
• Take time to acclimate to heat and humidity. A heat wave is stressful to your body. You will have a greater tolerance to heat if you limit physical activity until you become accustomed to it.

• Fire
• Tornado
• HazMat Spills
• Heat Stress
• Law Enforcement / Crime
• Rip Currents