There’s a Lot of Summer Left; Protect Yourself From Heat Danger

Although July was one of the warmest months recorded in North Carolina, DHHS experts warn that more hot days lie ahead and you need to protect yourself from the heat.

“August and early September tend to be very hot in North Carolina, which means you need to be aware of the danger from heat and take actions to protect yourself,” said State Health Director Dr. Leah Devlin.

While heat may be just a big discomfort for many people, it can be deadly for vulnerable people like young children, seniors and people with some medical conditions.

" No child should ever be left in a parked car period,” said Peggy Ball, director of the North Carolina Division of Child Development. “A car heats up quickly and children are particularly vulnerable to that heat. The temperature inside a parked car can reach 120 degrees in as little as 10 minutes, literally baking its inhabitants. Even without the problems of parked cars, young children are particularly vulnerable to heat. Make sure you keep them cool and have plenty of liquids on hand for them to drink ”

Karen Gottovi, director of the Division of Aging and Adult Services, says that the elderly are also at higher risk. “Now is the time to check on your elderly family members and neighbors. Make sure they are protected.”

People who are overweight, physically ill (especially with heart disease or high blood pressure), or who take certain medications (such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation) may also be more affected by high temperatures.
Dr. Devlin has the following tips for the public:

• Stay cool indoors, if at all possible, in an air-conditioned place.
• Take a cool shower or bath to cool off.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen.
• Schedule outdoor activities carefully, limiting activity to morning and evening hours.
• If children play outside during the day, they should stick to shaded areas.
• Pace yourself. If you’re not used to exertion during high heat, take it carefully.
• Use a buddy system. If you have to work in the heat, monitor the condition of your co-workers and have someone do that for you.

Heat exhaustion can occur at temperatures above 90 degrees and heat stroke can occur when temperatures rise above 105 degrees. If not treated immediately, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke.

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Last Modified: June 29, 2005 July 29, 2005