Extreme Heat Safety

As summer continues to bring dangerously high heat to the Keys, the City of Key West wants to remind residents and visitors to be aware of signs of heat distress.

In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death. In fact, extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards. For more information, visit www.ready.gov/heat.

Remember: Extreme heat can occur quickly and without warning. Older adults, children and sick or overweight individuals are at greater risk from extreme heat. Humidity increases the feeling of heat as measured by a heat index. Pay attention to the warning issued by NOAA.

When under an extreme heat warning, find air conditioning, avoid strenuous activities, drink plenty of fluids, and wear light clothing.

Check on family members and neighbors, and never leave people or pets in a closed car.

It’s also important to know the signs of heat-related illness and how to respond. Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms or legs are a sign of heat cramps. Get to a cooler location and remove excess clothing. Sip cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. If the cramps last more than an hour, get medical help.

Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, fainting, nausea, vomiting are clear signs of heat exhaustion. Go to an air-conditioned place and lie down. Loosen or remove clothing and take a cool bath. Hydrate with cool sports drinks containing salt and sugar. Get medical help if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.

Heat stroke is the most dangerous condition. Symptoms include high body temperature exceeding 103 degrees; red, hot, and dry skin with no sweat; rapid, strong pulse; and dizziness, confusion, or unconsciousness. With these symptoms, call 911 immediately and cool down the person’s body any way available until help arrives.

Heat distress can sneak up suddenly with dire results. Please take precautions to ensure your safety.