06/23/2025
Shared from Dr. Augusta Williams:
"I’ve worked on the topic of heat for over a decade now. This event happening the next few days has me particularly worried. We’ll have high temperatures, high humidity, and peak summer sun, all of which sets the stage for heat illness and injury. While some are more vulnerable, like kids, older adults, pregnant people, those with an existing medical condition, ~anyone~ can be impacted by heat.
Some things to prepare and share:
💧Drink water, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
😴Extra breaks, even if you don’t feel tired.
🌳Lots of shade and AC whenever and wherever you can.
💊Check with your doctor to see if any medications you take change their response during heatwaves.
📞Check on family, neighbors, kids, coworkers, pets.
👩🌾If you have to do heavy work or work outside, do it earlier in the day as possible and take more breaks than usual. Save what you can for later in the week.
🐶Don’t leave pets or kids or anyone in the car, even if just for a quick moment.
🪟Start cooling your home with AC, shades, fans before Sunday when the temperatures are hottest.
👚Cool layers of clothing, in light colors.
🧢Sunscreen and hats if you have to be outside, even if for just a little bit.
🧊Stock up on first aid cold packs. I keep some on me to ensure if needed, I have the ability to quickly cool myself or someone else even on the go.
Signs of heat stress can include anything from a headache or muscle cramps, to nausea, weakness, dizziness, irritability, to tiredness. Listen to these symptoms and cool down! If someone goes from sweating a lot to having hot, dry skin, that is a sign of progressing heat illness and medical attention is needed.
If someone starts showing signs of confusion, stumbling over or slurring their words, or feels faint, these are signs of a 🚨heat medical emergency🚨. You should call 911 immediately, and cool that person as quickly as possible as you wait for help—remove clothing, cool them with water and ice to their body, particularly in their armpits, groin, and back of neck.
Heat illness and injury are preventable by taking measures to keep ourselves and those around us safe. 🥵🌡️"
