What do you do if you recognize a heat emergency?

If you recognize any symptoms of a heat emergency in an elderly person, contact a physician immediately. Heat related illnesses are incredibly serious, especially in the high risk elderly population. How can you protect yourself and the elderly? Here are some recommendations from the CDC:

· Increase your fluid intake throughout the day with cool, non-alcoholic beverages. You can encourage any elderly you know to do the same, but check with their physician first. Some medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, can require a fluid restrictive diet.
· Avoid strenuous activity and rest.
· Take a cool shower or bath.
· If possible, stay in an air-conditioned environment – especially in the afternoon when the heat is strongest. (If you don't have air conditioning, consider visiting an air-conditioned shopping mall or public library to cool off.)
· Wear lightweight clothing made of breathable fabrics (preferably cotton).
 · Visit older adults at risk at least twice a day and monitor them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

 Remember, heat related illnesses are incredibly dangerous. Take heat seriously and keep heat safety a top priority!