Preventing Heat Illness
· Stay indoors if possible. Stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to a public place with air conditioning. If outside, stay in the shade.
· Drink water. Even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.
· Wear light-colored clothing. (Avoid wearing black clothes, especially if you’re in direct sunlight.) Loose fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects away the heat. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
· Never leave a person, especially children or the elderly or a pet in a closed, parked vehicle. The temperature inside the car can increase to 30-40 degrees hotter than the outside temperature.
· Slow down and avoid strenuous activity. If you must work outside, take frequent breaks.
· Visit persons at risk twice daily and watch them for signs of heat illness.
· Speak with your doctor about any medications you are taking to learn if they may interfere with your body’s ability to regulate temperature.
· Do not use salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
Recreation Centers serving as respite centers from the heat:
Crowell Community Center
313.628.2047
16630 Lasher
Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., M-F
Patton Community Center
313.628.2000
2301 Woodmere
Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., M-F
Lasky Recreation Center
313.628.2030
13200 Fenelon
Hours: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., M-F
Heilmann Recreation Center
313.224.9334
19601 Crusade
Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., M-F
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