As the Heat Turns Up Outside, Make Sure Staff Are Prepared

With extreme temperatures and humidity sweeping the US, it’s important to keep staff informed of the dangers of heat related illnesses, signs of heat related illnesses, and preventative measures.
 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) define extreme heat as, “summertime temperatures that are substantially hotter and/or more humid than average for a location at that time of year.” Children, especially children who are physically active, are at a higher risk for heat related illnesses. The CDC offers these tips to help ward off heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses:
  • Drink Plenty of Fluids — When weather is especially hot, increasing fluid intake is essential, regardless of your activity level. During heavy exercise in a hot environment, two to four glasses (16–32 ounces) of cool fluids should be drank each hour. This does not include liquids that contain alcohol, or large amounts of sugar — these actually cause the loss of more body fluid. Also avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
     
  • Wear Appropriate Clothing and Sunscreen — Lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing is ideal. Sunburn affects the body's ability to cool itself and causes a loss of body fluids. It also causes pain and damages the skin. When outdoors, wear SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say "broad spectrum" or "UVA/UVB protection" on their labels) 30 minutes prior to going out. Continue to reapply it according to the package directions.
     
  • Use Common Sense — Remember to keep cool and use common sense:
    • Avoid hot foods and heavy meals — they add heat to the body.
    • Drink plenty of fluids.
    • Dress children in cool, loose clothing.
    • Limit sun exposure during mid-day hours and in places of potential severe exposure such as beaches.
More information and tips on extreme heat can be found at http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.asp.
 
Your rating: None Average: 4.7 (6 votes)