HARRISBURG, Pa. - Summer’s here and meteorologists forecast the Lehigh Valley may experience another heat wave in the coming days. Temperatures may push 90 degrees.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says extreme heat can lead to nausea, dizziness, headaches and heatstroke.
When it comes to heat exhaustion, Peter Brown, executive director of the Pennsylvania Rivers Chapter of the American Red Cross, says it’s important to know the warning signs.
“They may have high body temperature,” Brown says, “They may feel super hot to the touch. Cool them down as quickly as possible with what you have available, if that’s ice in a cooler, or a towel dipped in ice water wrapped around the neck.”
Brown also recommends that people check on neighbors and family members, especially seniors, throughout the day. He says it’s important that people drink lots of water on hot days, even if they’re not thirsty.
“Try to avoid drinks with caffeine and alcohol,” Brown says. “Both caffeine and alcohol tend to dehydrate you, so even if you’re getting a high volume of fluids, you’re not really hydrating.”
With many coronavirus restrictions lifted, Brown says people without air conditioning at home can cool off at their local library, mall or movie theater.
For people who need to be outside, he recommends taking breaks, putting on sunscreen and wearing loose, light-colored clothing.
Visit RedCross.org for more heat safety tips.