High heat is hard on everyone, especially seniors. Caregivers need to check on seniors more often during periods of high heat and make sure things are Ok and that they are not suffering from heat exhaustion. Get them into a cool environment - even if it means visiting the library or a mall in the heat of the day.
Stay Safe in Summer Heat
● Drink plenty of liquids -- eight or more 8-ounce glasses per day and or fruit juices -- every day to stay hydrated. Thirst is the first sign of dehydration - you should drink sufficient amounts of liquids so you don't feel thirsty in order to prevent dehydration.
● Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages. Eat light meals.
● Dress appropriately. Wear loose-fitting clothes in natural fabrics like cotton and dress in light colors that will reflect the sun and heat instead of darker colors that will attract them.
● When outdoors, protect your skin from damage by wearing hats, sunglasses and a sunscreen of 30 SPF or more.
● Stay indoors during extreme heat. Head DOWNSTAIRS since hot air rises, the upper stories of a home will be warmer than the ground floor. A basement can be a wonderful cool refuge from the midday heat. Remember that pets also suffer in high heat. Give your pet a cool bath or shower to help keep their body temperature down. A cool towel on the floor to lay on or one laying over their skin is also helpful, make sure they too have plenty of cool water do drink. Watch your pet for signs of heat stroke... hot skin, excessive drooling, vomiting, twitching muscles - call the vet if you think your pet has heat stroke.
● If you do not have air conditioning in your apartment, go somewhere that does. A movie theater, the mall, a friend or relative's home or a community senior center are all good options.
● If you need to get out of the house and don't drive a car, call a taxi, a friend or a transportation service. Do NOT wait outside for your ride in extreme heat.
● If you are absolutely unable to leave the house and do not have air conditioning, take a cool bath or shower to lower your body temperature on extremely hot days. Consider making a "homemade air conditioner" sit in the path of box fan that is aimed at an open cooler filled with ice. Spritz yourself all over and often with cool water..
● Temperatures inside the home should not exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit for prolonged periods of time. Use box fans and ceiling fan to circulate the air... closing windows and curtains during the day. At night, open windows so the hot air inside can escape and the cooler night air can enter. Consider using buckets of water to soak your feet in to cool down... a wet towel around your neck and on your forehead can also help cool you down. Stay ahead of this... once you are overheated it is very hard to cool down quickly.
● Know the signs of heat stroke (e.g flushed face, high body temperature, headache, nausea, rapid pulse, dizziness and confusion) and take immediate action if you feel them coming on
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