Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA) and the American Red Cross encourage Richmond area residents to take precautions to avoid heat-related illness this week as temperatures and the heat index are expected to hit triple digits. Heat is more than uncomfortable, it can be deadly, especially for older adults, the very young and those with chronic medical conditions. According to the Virginia Department of Health there were 1,194 emergency visits for heat-related illness in Virginia from May 1 – June 28.

“It is very important for everyone to take precautions when it gets really hot. We don’t want to see anyone experience a medical emergency because of the heat,” said Lt. Christy Pritt with the Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA). “Stay cool and stay hydrated and check on your elderly neighbors.”

“Taking steps to keep you, your family, neighbors and pets safe is critically important during periods of extreme heat,” said Jonathan McNamara, Communications Director for the American Red Cross in Virginia. “Staying connected to local news, listening to health experts and first responders are things we must all do to help reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.”

RAA and the American Red Cross recommend the following to remain safe during high temperatures:

  • Stay cool indoors. Stay in air-conditioned places as much as possible. If air conditioning your home is difficult, consider spending some time in a public library, shopping mall, or other public air-conditioned buildings. Taking a cool shower or bath and minimizing the use of the stove and oven can help keep a lower temperature in the house. Wear light and loose clothing. Electric fans will not prevent heat-related illness if the temperature is above 90 degrees.
  • Schedule outdoor activities carefully. Try to limit outdoor activities to when it’s coolest like in the morning or evening. Rest often in shady areas.
  • Stay hydrated. Drink more fluids, avoid sugary or alcoholic drinks, and replace salt and minerals. Keep your pets hydrated with cool water, too!
  • Know the signs for heat related illness and how to respond.
    • Heat Cramps: are an early sign of trouble and include heavy sweating with muscle pains or spasms. To help, move the person to a cooler place and encourage them to drink water or a sports drink. Get medical help if symptoms last longer than an hour or if the person has heart problems.
    • Heat Exhaustion: If a person has heavy sweating, cold and clammy skin, a fast and weak pulse, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, tiredness or weakness, dizziness, headaches, or is feeling faint, they likely have heat exhaustion. Move them to a cool place, loosen clothes, put cool, wet cloths on their body, and have them sip water. Seek medical help if they are throwing up, their symptoms get worse, their symptoms last longer than an hour.
    • Heatstroke is a deadly condition that requires immediate medical help. Symptoms include a high body temperature; hot, red, dry or damp skin; a fast or strong pulse; a headache or dizziness; or nausea, confusion and passing out. Call 911 right away if you think someone may have heat stroke. If a person has a high body temperature of 103 degrees or higher, hot and red skin, a fast and strong pulse, confusion, or loss of consciousness, they likely have heat stroke. After calling 911, move the person to a cool place, and put cool, wet cloths on their body, misting or fanning to help cool them off. Do not give the person anything to drink.