Beat the Heat
When the area is experiencing severe heat, the Henrico County Public Health Department advises residents to be aware of the signs of heat-related illness and to take steps to protect themselves.Individuals especially at risk for heat-related illness include small children, seniors and people with chronic medical conditions who are not in an air-conditioned environment; however, anyone can be affected by severe heat.
- Early signs of heat-related illness can include cramping, fatigue, dizziness and fainting. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are medical emergencies requiring immediate attention call 911.
- Drink two-to-four glasses of cool fluids each hour; if working outside or exercising, drink fruit juice or sports beverages.
- If possible, conduct outdoor activities before noon or at night. Limit physical activity and rest frequently. Avoid sunburn. Wear a hat and light, loose-fitting clothing. Use the buddy system if working outside.
- Never leave children or pets in vehicles with closed windows, even momentarily. Temperatures quickly can reach 150 degrees, resulting in heat stroke and death.
- Keep cool indoors. Spending at least two hours per day in air conditioning significantly reduces the number of heat-related illnesses; be aware that a fan may not prevent illness when temperatures reach the upper 90s. Seek shelter from the heat in air-conditioned areas such indoor malls and public libraries.
- Several Henrico County recreation facilities are available as air-conditioned facilities open to the public. Contact each site for hours of operation: Belmont Recreation Center 262-4924; The Springs Recreation Center – 737-2859; Dorey Recreation Center – 795-2334 and Deep Run Recreation Center – 290-0305. Henrico libraries also are available call 290-9000 or log on to www.henricolibrary.org for information.
- Henrico’s Department of Social Services will offer a Cooling Assistance Program from June 15th to August 15th. There is a recorded message about the Energy Assistance Program at (804) 501-4099. For additional information call (804) 501-4003.
Condition |
Symptoms |
First Aid |
Sunburn | Skin redness and pain, possible swelling, blisters, fever, headaches |
|
Heat Cramps | Painful spasms, usually in leg and abdominal muscles; heavy sweating |
|
Heat Exhaustion | Heavy sweating but skin may be cool, pale, or flushed. Weak pulse. Normal body temperature is possible, but temperature will likely rise. Fainting or dizziness, nausea, vomiting, exhaustion, and headaches are possible. |
|
Heat Stroke ( a severe medical emergency) |
High body temperature (105 ); hot, red, dry skin; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid shallow breathing. Victim will probably not sweat unless victim was sweating from recent strenuous activity. Possible unconsciousness. |
|
If you have questions about the information below or about where you can go to beat the heat, please contact the Henrico County Health Department at (804) 501-4522 or (804) 501-7250.
Susan Fischer Davis, MD, Health Director Henrico Health District |
David Calkins, Emergency Planner Henrico Health District |
Further Resources:
CDC Extreme Heat- http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.asp
CDC / NIOSH Safety and Health Topic: Heat Stress http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/heatstress/
EPA Excessive Heat Events Guidebook – http://www.epa.gov/hiri/about/pdf/EHEguide_final.pdf
FEMA Extreme Heat – http://www.ready.gov/heat