Summer emergencies can you take the heat

Heatstroke is a medical emergency which can result in permanent damage to your vital organs, or even death, if not treated immediately. Extreme heat can also make existing medical conditions worse. The best way to survive the heat is to plan ahead for hot days and know what to do when the heat hits.

Hot weather can affect anyone, including the young and healthy. However, some people are more at risk than others. Everyone can be affected by hot weather and it is important that you take care whenever the temperatures start to rise. A heatwave over a period of days, or even a single day of extreme heat, may cause illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. It's important to stay aware of the weather during summer, especially when there are risks of heatwaves or days of high UV.

For more information on weather conditions, see:. When out enjoying the summer, always remember hot weather can spoil food quickly. Make sure you follow safe food practices to avoid illness.

You can get first aid information and resources from St John Ambulance. Heat stress may affect older people more than others. People aged 65 years and over may be at increased risk of heat-related illnesses and need special care in hot weather.

Factors that can increase a person's risk include living alone, chronic medical problems and certain medication. Babies and young children should be watched carefully during hot weather. They can quickly lose body fluids through perspiring, which can lead to dehydration. They need to drink regularly, wear light clothing and be kept cool. Never leave babies or young children in cars. The temperature inside parked cars can double within minutes. The Never leave kids in cars page has more information about child car safety.

Heat and sport or physical activity exercise can be a dangerous combination. Heat stress occurs when sweat can't evaporate fast enough to keep the body sufficiently cool. You can prevent heat stress during sport by drinking plenty of fluids, taking frequent rest breaks and avoiding exercise during the hottest part of the day. In extreme heat, check on and help other people who may be at a higher risk of heat-related illness:.

Power failures can happen during times of extremely hot weather. Some things you can do to prepare for a power failure are:. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. When returning to a flood-affected area, remember that wild animals, including rats, mice, snakes or spiders, may be trapped in your home, shed or garden.

When returning to your home after a flood, take precautions to reduce the possibility of injury, illness or disease. Around 75 per cent of Melbourne's air pollution is caused by vehicle emissions. Allergy occurs when the body overreacts to a 'trigger' that is harmless to most people. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Heat stress-heat related illness. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed Aug. Extreme heat.

Ready Campaign. O'Connor FG, et al. Exertional heat illness in adolescents and adults: Epidemiology, thermoregulation, risk factors, and diagnosis.

Accessed June 15, Mechem CC. Severe nonexertional hyperthermia classic heat stroke in adults. About extreme heat. Ferri FF. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor Philadelphia, Pa. Signs of Heat-Related Illness. Frequently Asked Questions. Protecting Vulnerable Groups from Extreme Heat.

Keep Your Pets Safe. Share Our Tips! Resources for Health Professionals. Related Links. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.

You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. CDC is not responsible for Section compliance accessibility on other federal or private website.