Heat Relief
Linn County Public Health would like to remind residents to protect themselves against the effects of elevated summer temperatures. According to The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States. As temperature begin to soar to 100°F, the excessive humidity in combination with the heat may leave you dehydrated and could be life threatening. It is essential that you take steps to keep you and your family safe. See the list of heat relief locations in Linn County, Iowa during excessive heat events.
On days of extreme heat, be sure to check in on family, friends, and neighbors who are at risk of falling ill due to the heat. No matter the circumstance, NEVER leave children and pets unattended in vehicles. In addition, be sure that pets have free access to fresh drinking water and are kept safe from the heat.
Warning Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness
Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature. The body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided. Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include the following:
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
- High body temperature (103°F or higher)
- Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
- Fast, strong pulse
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Losing consciousness (passing out)
WHAT TO DO
- Call 911 right away-heat stroke is a medical emergency
- Move the person to a cooler place
- Help lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath
- Do not give the person anything to drink
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. It is the body's response to an excessive loss of the water and salt contained in sweat. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are elderly people, people with high blood pressure and people working or exercising in a hot environment.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
- Heavy sweating
- Cold, pale, and clammy skin
- Fast, weak pulse
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Tiredness or weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fainting (passing out)
WHAT TO DO
- Move to a cool place
- Loosen your clothes
- Put cool, wet cloths on your body or take a cool bath
- Sip water
Get medical help right away if:
- You are throwing up
- Your symptoms get worse
- Your symptoms last longer than 1 hour
Heat cramps usually affect people who sweat a lot during strenuous activity. This sweating depletes the body's salt and moisture. The low salt level in the muscles may be the cause of heat cramps. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat exhaustion.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
- Heavy sweating during intense exercise
- Muscle pain or spasms
WHAT TO DO
- Stop physical activity and move to a cool place
- Drink water or a sports drink
- Wait for cramps to go away before you do any more physical activity
Get medical help right away if:
- Cramps last longer than 1 hour
- You’re on a low-sodium diet
- You have heart problems
Sunburn should be avoided because it damages the skin. Although the discomfort is usually minor and healing often occurs in about a week, more severe sunburn may require medical attention. Proper sun protection practices such as using sunscreen and wearing appropriate clothing can reduce a person's risk for developing skin cancer.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
- Painful, red, and warm skin
- Blisters on the skin
WHAT TO DO
- Stay out of the sun until your sunburn heals
- Put cool cloths on sunburned areas or take a cool bath
- Put moisturizing lotion on sunburned areas
- Do not break blisters
Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. It can occur at any age but is most common in young children.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
- Red clusters of small blisters that look like pimples on the skin (usually on the neck, chest, groin, or in elbow creases)
WHAT TO DO
- Stay in a cool, dry place
- Keep the rash dry
- Use powder (like baby powder) to soothe the rash
View the current list of heat relief locations in Linn County, Iowa as updated by the Linn County Emergency Management Agency.
Prevent Heat-Related Illness
- Spend more time indoors, if a home is not air-conditioned, spend time in public facilities that are
- Drink plenty of water, even if you are not thirsty
- Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages
- Wear loose, light colored clothing and sunscreen
- Schedule outdoor activities early in the day or later in the evening
- Limit outdoor activities and take frequent breaks to cool off
- Eat light meals
- Monitor people at high risk for heat-related illness, and
- Don't forget about pets!
Individuals at Risk for Heat-Related Illness
- Children less than 5 years of age
- Elderly 65 years and older
- Elderly living alone
- Person's without air conditioning
Additional Information
- American Red Cross - Heat Wave Safety Checklist
- CDC- Extreme Heat and your Health
- CDC - Keep Cool in Hot Weather
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - Heat Index Guide
- Ready.gov - Extreme Heat