Elderly persons, small children, persons with chronic health conditions, those on certain medications are particularly susceptible to heat reactions, especially during heat waves!
Slow Down! Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day. Individuals at risk should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
Dress for Summer! Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures.
Remember Your Hat! Hats help keep your head and face out of the sun and heat.
Drink Plenty of Water or Other Nonalcoholic Fluids! Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty. Persons who (1) have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease, (2) are on fluid restrictive diets, or (3) have a problem with fluid retention should consult a physician before increasing their consumption of fluids. Do not drink alcoholic beverages.
Baths and Showers! Cool Baths or Showers (with water temperature around 75° F) provide amazing relief from the heat 25 times faster than cool air.
Spend More Time in Air-Conditioned Places! Air conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly reduce danger from the heat. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, spending some time each day (during hot weather) in an air-conditioned environment affords some protection.
View a list of Cooling Centers locations (PDF). For more information on services and programs for older adults call (301) 265-8450.