IT'S HOTTTTT!

Hey everyone. As we get into the heat of the year, remember, you have to get used to it, called acclimatization. We are not used to the heat extremes and it is now here. Remember some important tips:

1. Take time to get used to the heat with more frequent breaks especially if the humidity is high along with it.

2. Wear light colored clothing. A light wicking style shirt is good.

3. Wear sunscreen, protect your head, neck and ears with neck gators or wide brim straw hat if allowed on your worksite.

4. Push the fluids. Drink 8 oz of water every 20 minutes, before you feel thirsty.

5. Stay away from alcohol and caffeine as it will dehydrate you.

6. Use electrolyte packets in your water. Recommend every 3rd bottle of water, pop in some electrolytes so that you retain some of the fluids. Be careful with sports drink electrolytes especially if you are watching your sugar intake.

7. Have shade available for frequent breaks as the heat intensifies.

8. Know your exact location and make sure your team knows. If you have to call 911 from a cell phone, it rolls up in the emergency dispatchers office from the nearest cell tower and not the exact address unless calling from a landline.

   
   

   Signs and Symptoms to be aware of

   • Fatigue

   • Stumbling

   • Not sweating, stopped sweating

   • Loss of consciousness

   • Cardiac arrest

   • Not answering questions appropriately

   • Slow response to questions

These signs and symptoms require fast action. Getting the affected individual safely to a cool. spot, push fluids if awake and able to swallow and calling 911 with no immediate improvement. Remember that when an individual has been intensely affected by the heat, it will take a long time for them to be able to go back into that atmosphere again. I have had a similar experience and it is like your thermostat is broken! Take precautions and prevent the serious heat-related emergency. Do The Right Thing!