Summer may be almost over, but the St. Louis area is expecting some extreme heat over the next several days. The St. Louis County Department of Health is strongly urging caution and common sense throughout the rest of the week and over the Labor Day weekend.
“St. Louis experiences extreme heat almost every year and it’s important to observe common sense precautions whenever this happens,” said Dr. Dolores Gunn, director of the Health Department.
Whenever temperatures rise above 95 degrees, the following is recommended:
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Spend as little time as possible in the sun and keep activity levels to a minimum.
• Drink plenty of cool, non-alcoholic beverages, especially those without sugar or caffeine.
• Take regular breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned room.
• Eat light, easily-digested foods, avoiding hot, heavy, or greasy meals.
• Be sure not to leave food unrefrigerated for long – food spoils rapidly in the heat.
• Take care of those who might not be aware of the danger or able to react accordingly –especially young children and the elderly. Check on your neighbors and relatives if they may be vulnerable or do not have air conditioning.
• Know the signs of heat exhaustion. If someone becomes dizzy, nauseated, or sweats heavily, find a cooler location for him or her immediately.
• Know the signs of heat stroke. Heat stroke is much more serious than heat exhaustion and is life-threatening. The symptoms are similar to heat exhaustion, but also include hot, flushed skin, and normally sweating stops. If heat stroke is a possibility, call 911 immediately.
For persons who are unable to keep their residence cool and who need to find a cooling center, call the, Way of Greater St. Louis by dialing 211 on a landline phone, or dial 1-800-427-4626 from any other type of phone.
Pets are at risk when weather temperatures rise as well. To protect pets during hot weather:
• Regularly check a pet’s water to make sure it’s clean and fresh. Ample drinking water is vital to animals during hot and humid conditions. Make sure to adjust the drinking quantity for the size and number of pets in the area. You can also spray your pet with water to cool them off.
• Provide a shady spot for pets. A pen near trees will work or you can fasten a sunroom screen to the sides and top of the pen to provide shade too.
• Never leave your pet unattended in a hot vehicle. Internal vehicle temperatures can reach 150 degrees.
For more info, visit the department’s Heat Safety Tips webpage at www.stlouisco.com/HealthandWellness/HeatSafetyTips.