Boone County Office of Emergency Management
 

Extreme Heat

Local Weather via the National Weather Service

Beat the Heat Safety Tips

When extreme heat threatens, follow these tips to beat the heat.

Stay Cool

  • Stay inside with air conditioning.
  • Take frequent breaks from the sun.
  • If you don't have AC, visit a cooling center, library, or mall.
  • Wear a hat, sunscreen, and loose light-colored clothing.
  • Check on friends and family members, especially those with medical conditions that may put them at increased risk.
  • Never leave anyone, including pets, in a vehicle.

Stay Hydrated

  • Drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty.
  • Avoid sugary or alcoholic beverages while in the sun.

Stay Informed

  • Know the symptoms of heat-related illnesses.
  • Stay informed about weather conditions through Boone County Ready Alerts. Text SMART911 to 67283 to download the app and create a safety profile.

Heat-related Illness

Heat Exhaustion

Symptoms:

  • Heavy sweating
  • Weakness
  • Cold, pale, and clammy skin
  • Weak pulse
  • Fainting and vomiting

Treatment:

  • Move to a cooler location.
  • Lie down and loosen your clothing.
  • Apply cool, wet cloths to your body.
  • Sip water slowly.
  • If vomiting occurs and continues, seek medical attention.

Heat Stroke

Symptoms:

  • High body temperature (above 103°F)
  • Hot, red, dry, or moist skin
  • Rapid and strong pulse
  • Possible unconsciousness

Treatment:

  • Call 911 immediately — this is a medical emergency.
  • Move the person to a cooler environment.
  • Reduce the person's body temperature with cool cloths or even a bath.
  • Do NOT give fluids.

Heat Cramps

Symptoms:

  • Painful spasms usually in leg and abdominal muscles
  • Heavy sweating

Treatment:

  • Put firm pressure on cramping muscles or gentle massage to relieve spasm.
  • Take small sips of water.

Sun Poisoning

Symptoms:

  • Skin redness and blistering
  • Pain and tingling
  • Swelling
  • Headache
  • Fever and chills
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Dehydration

Treatment:

  • Get out of the sun.
  • Take a cool shower or bath, or apply cool compressions.
  • Drink extra fluids for a few days.
  • Take ibuprofen to relieve pain.
  • Use aloe gel on affected areas.
  • Wear clothing that completely covers affected areas when going outside.

Special Planning Considerations

Seniors:

  • Stay in air-conditioned spaces.
  • Wear light, loose-fitting clothing made from breathable materials.
  • Take cool showers.
  • Keep your windows covered.
  • Rest.
  • Stay in contact with loved ones.
  • Seek medical care immediately if you begin showing symptoms of heat related illness.

Individuals with Alzheimer's or Dementia

  • Make sure they are dressed appropriately for the weather.
  • Make sure they stay hydrated; they may forget to drink enough water. Drinking water at the same time as them may help.
  • Keep glasses of water within easy reach. Straws may also help if they have limited mobility.
  • Eat high water content foods with them, such as ice pops, watermelon, and cucumber.

Infants

  • If your baby is under 6 months old, do not give them water, but you can give them additional formula or breastmilk to keep them hydrated.
  • If they are 6-12 months, they can have 4-6 oz of water per day along with breastmilk or formula.
  • Make sure you stay hydrated as well, especially if you are breastfeeding.

Signs of dehydration in infants:

  • Fewer wet diapers
  • Dry, cool skin
  • Irritability
  • Sunken fontanelle (soft spot-on top of the baby’s head).

Treatment:

  • Rehydrate with breastmilk or formula.
  • If symptoms continue, contact a doctor immediately.

Children

  • Do not leave children unattended in the heat.
  • Play indoor games and activities.
  • Always check your backseat for passengers before getting out of your car.

Pets

  • Protect them from overheating by limiting their exercise while the heat advisory is in effect.
  • Take dogs for shorter walks and avoid the hottest parts of the day by walking them early in the morning or in the evening.
  • Bring water and a bowl with you on walks and take frequent water breaks in the shade.
  • Asphalt can get very hot. If it’s too hot for you to touch comfortably, it’s unsafe for your pet to walk on. If you must take them outside, keep them on the grass as much as possible.
  • Put ice in your dog or cat’s water bowl to help them cool off or give them frozen broth as a treat.
  • Certain breeds may be at especially high risk for heat related illness, such as those with flat faces or long coats.
  • Brushing may help pets with long, thick coats, but do not shave your pet, their coat’s layers help protect them from sunburn and overheating.

Pet symptoms of heatstroke include:

  • Excessive panting and drooling
  • Red gums or tongue
  • Increased heart rate
  • Vomiting or diarrhea

Treatment:

  • Pour cool water over them and contact a veterinarian right away.

Additional Resources: