Delaware Valley under 'Code Orange: How to stay safe through heat wave

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The Delaware Valley is currently under a ‘Code Orange’ alert as the region faces its second extreme heat wave of the summer so far.

With temperatures in the 90s and higher, it’s imperative to stay hydrated, stay cool, and try to stay indoors.

“We recommend for everyone to try to minimize the time they are spending outside or using transportation to limit exposure to the elements,” said Dr. Paschal Nwako, Camden County’s Health Officer.

“Residents should also exercise caution and monitor any respiratory symptoms while we are experiencing the increases in ozone levels.”

Tips to stay safe:

• Do not rely only on electric fans during extreme heat.
  • When temperatures are in the high 90s, fans may not prevent heat-related illness.
• Take a cool shower or bath or move to an air-conditioned place
• If you have air conditioning, be sure that it is in working order.
• If you do not have air conditioning or if there is a power outage, find locations where you can stay cool.
  • For example, a public library, shopping mall, or a public cooling center.
• Make sure you have plenty of lightweight, loose clothing to wear.
• Avoid sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks.
• If you are sweating a lot, combine water with snacks or a sports drink to replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.
• Talk to your doctor about how to prepare if you have a medical condition or are taking medicines.

Ways to avoid heat-related illness:

• Use air conditioners. If necessary, go to an air-conditioned location for several hours during the hottest parts of the day. If you visit a public place with air conditioning, remember to wear a mask while inside.
• If using a fan, be sure to open windows to release trapped hot air.
• Drink plenty of liquids, especially water, to prevent dehydration. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• Never leave older people, children, or pets alone in cars.
• Those taking regular medication should consult with their physician. Some medications cause an adverse reaction in hot weather.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Avoid, as much as possible, working or playing in the hot sun or other hot areas, especially during the sun’s peak hours of 11 a.m. through 4 p.m.
• Maintain a normal diet.
• Shower or bathe in water that is near skin temperature.
• Cover all exposed skin with an SPF sunscreen (15 or above). Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and head. Apply sunscreen under your mask to protect your face.

Symptoms of heat-related illness and what to do:

• Muscle cramps may be the first sign of heat-related illness.
• Heavy sweating.
• Painful muscle spasms, often in the abdomen, arms, or calves.
• Stop activity and move to a cooler location.
• Drink water.
• Seek medical attention if cramps persist for more than one hour.

Tips to keep your pets safe:

• Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool:
  • If you plan on spending time near a pool, lake, or beach with your pet, make sure you keep an eye on them.
  • Give your pet fresh water and avoid letting them drink from the pool, or ingest ocean or lake water due to the chlorine and salt content in the water.
  • When swimming, introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure they wear flotation devices when on boats.
  • Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from their fur.
• Keep all unscreened windows or doors in your home close:
  • Unscreened open windows can be a falling risk for pets who wander too closely.
• Trim longer hair on your dog, but never shave your dog:
  • The layers of dogs’ coats protect them from overheating and sunburn.
  • Brushing cats more often than usual can prevent problems caused by excessive heat.
  • If you are using any sunscreen or insect-repellent product near your pet, make sure it is pet-safe.
• Don’t let dogs linger on hot asphalt:
  • When you take your pet on a walk, their body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn.
  • Keep walks during these times to a minimum during heat waves.

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Jessica Yakubovsky

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