Northwest Indiana is in the middle of another stretch of extremely hot and humid weather. While this weather is not completely uncommon in our area, it is always good to be reminded of ways to keep you and your loved ones safe during this extreme heat. Please take the time to read the safety tips provided by the State of Indiana and make sure to protect yourself from the heat.
- Pace yourself: for work or recreation in the sun, be sure to take frequent breaks to take on fluids and cool off out of the heat
- Take it easy: put off strenuous activities that can wait until weather cools
- Stay cool: use air-conditioning, if it’s available; if it’s not available, take cool baths, showers, or sponge baths and temporarily inhabit dry basement spaces, which can be 10-15 degrees cooler
- Eat lighter meals: avoid use of your stove by eating more salads, fresh vegetables and fruit
- Dress appropriately: wear light-colored, lightweight cotton clothing, which readily releases perspiration and reflects heat. Cotton absorbs perspiration better and thus cools better than synthetics
- Drink fluids: drink plenty of cool, non-alcoholic beverages (water is best), especially when you’re outdoors, to keep the body’s cooling system operating efficiently; avoid alcohol, which can induce dehydration
- Stay in the shade: if possible, perform work or strenuous recreational activities outdoors in the morning or early evening, when the sun’s heat is less intense; avoid sun burn and ultraviolet light poisoning
- Carry water: when you’re away from home, keep water in non-breakable bottles with you to easily replenish fluids lost to perspiration
- Look after the very young and the aged: babies and older adults are more susceptible to heat induced illness; check on them regularly, call your local health department for instructions if you are unsure
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