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Heat advisories and excessive heat warnings are affecting millions today and over the weekend. Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year. The nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)® offers the following safety tips to reduce the risk of illness from high temperatures.
- The coolest part of the day is normally sunrise, so plan any necessary strenuous activity for the morning.
- Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sun.
- Drink plenty of water even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they can intensify the negative effect of heat on your body.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect some of the sun’s energy.
- Never leave children, elderly or pets in the car even with the windows down. Although the outside air temperatures may seem comfortable, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise 40 to 50 degrees and swiftly create deadly, oven-like conditions.
For information on protecting your family and home from severe weather, visit FLASH.
MEDIA RELEASE/ANNA ALEXOPOULOS/FLASH.ORG