Summer Safety Tips

Keep hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids (water is BEST)

Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day.

Paw alert: Keep pets off of ‘hot surfaces’ during extreme heat.

Protect your skin while outside this summer, even on a partly cloudy day!

*Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes BEFORE going outside. *Re-apply every two hours.

Weather Alert: Dangerously hot weather is expected this weekend.

High temperatures are expected to reach the mid to upper 90s Saturday through Monday, with heat index values (that ‘feel like’ temperature) of 100 degrees.

*Above normal temperatures will increase the risk of heat-related illness, especially for those without access to air conditioning. Source: National Weather Service

Avoid outdoor activities during the warmest parts of the day.

Heat Exhaustion vs Heat Stroke

Heat exhaustion is a fairly routine condition, but heat stroke is life-threatening.

Signs of heat stroke can include seizures, agitation, confusion, slurred speech or loss of consciousness, although an altered mental status is the main sign. When someone is suffering from heat stroke, you should immediately call 911 and immerse the person in or douse them with cold water.

Signs of heat exhaustion can include nausea, fatigue, dizziness, weakness or rapid pulse. Someone suffering from heat exhaustion can recover by resting in the shade and drinking cool fluids. https://newsroom.wakehealth.edu/News-Releases/2021/05/Tips-from-Wilderness-Medicine-Experts-on-Staying-Safe-Outdoors

-Dr Seth Hawkins, assistant professor of emergency medicine at Atrium Health / Wake Forest Baptist. Wilderness medicine expert

Where do you keep your thermostat set during the summer?   The best thermostat setting for summer is 78 degree when you’re at home. Energy.gov suggests raising your thermostat or turning it off entirely when you are away.  What is the ‘perfect’ thermostat setting at home?  In the office?