11:28 a.m.
ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua County Health Department is alerting citizens to monitor their health and limit direct sun exposure as the temperature starts to rise. Florida is expected to have temperatures in the 90s, with some counties nearing record numbers, and sporadic rain throughout the next week.
"The high temperature and humidity that we are experiencing as we head into the summer months make heat-related illness more likely," said Jean Munden, Administrator of the Alachua County Health Department. "Citizens should monitor their health and contact their medical provider if they start to feel ill due to the heat."
Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are the primary heat related-illnesses people suffer when the body's temperature is overloaded, so citizens are urged to stay inside air-conditioned rooms or out of the sun when possible and drink plenty of light-colored fluids. Citizens should limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours, wear light clothing, and if exercising try to rest often in shady areas.
Along with staying inside an air-conditioned room, citizens should not leave children or pets in vehicles, as the temperature inside a vehicle can reach 134 to 154 degrees Fahrenheit, and can cause severe injury or death.
Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include the following:
- An extremely high body temperature (above 103 F)
- Red, hot and dry skin along with a rapid, strong pulse
- Throbbing headache, dizziness, nauseas, confusion or unconsciousness
Warning signs of heat exhaustion include the following:
- Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps
- Dizziness, tiredness, weakness
- Headache, nausea, vomiting, or fainting
Victims of heat stroke must receive immediate treatment. Get the victim to a shady area, remove clothing, apply cool or tepid water to the skin, fan the victim to promote sweating and evaporation, and place ice packs under armpits and groins. And always notify emergency services (911) immediately.
For more information, please contact the Alachua County Health Department at 352-334-7900.
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