Hot Weather Preparedness Tips For Oklahomans

Summers in Oklahoma are scorchers. As the hot-weather season hits, people need to be more careful than ever to stay cool and avoid overheating and illness, particularly as they get older.

Oklahoma temperatures can often rise to triple digits, which can be life-threatening. Those who have a history of high blood pressure, heart, lung or kidney diseases, or are taking certain medications, are often at heightened risk of heat exhaustion, according to the National Institutes of Health. So, it’s vital to know the signs of danger and how to protect yourself.

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Recognize and treat signs of dehydration. There are eight telling signs of being dehydrated, and symptoms to look out for when spending time in the heat. Feelings of dizziness or having mouth dryness are normal signs of dehydration.

It’s important to drink plenty of water and be mindful that with drinking a lot of water, the need to use the restroom also rises. Physical symptoms, like having a headache or a dry mouth, are also factors of dehydration. If needed, it’s important to seek shelter in an air-conditioned area until you feel better.

Here are a few tips when facing the summer heat in Oklahoma:

• Drink enough water. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends drinking one cup of water every 15-20 minutes when it’s hot. Energy drinks, caffeine, and alcohol can cause dehydration.
• Prepare yourself. Apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and choose lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Avoid the heat. If possible, stay indoors in the hottest part of the day from 2 to 6 p.m. When you’re outside, take frequent rest breaks in cool places.
• Keep an eye on children. Never leave children or pets in cars or vehicles.
• Know your health care options. If you’re not feeling well, get care from medical professionals promptly.

Exposure to extreme heat can create serious health problems, resulting in a condition known as heatstroke. Usually the elderly, the very young, those with other health conditions, and those without access to air conditioning or a source for hydration are most severely affected by heat.

Recognize and Respond To Extreme Heat:

Symptoms of heat exposure complications:

• Heavy sweating
• Muscle cramps
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Weak, but rapid pulse
• Headaches

At first symptoms of heat-related complications, move to a cooler place, rest a few minutes, then slowly drink a beverage, preferably water, for rehydration.

Seek medical attention immediately if conditions do not improve.

Symptoms of heatstroke

If fluids are not replaced soon enough, heatstroke can follow, causing:

• Extremely high body temperature
• Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
• Rapid pulse
• Throbbing headache
• Confusion
• Brain damage
• Loss of consciousness
• Death