The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter urges area residents to take precautions during the extreme heat this week to avoid heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses.

Heat-related emergencies include heat exhaustion, which is an indicator that the body’s cooling system is becoming overwhelmed. Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale, ashen or flushed skin; headaches, nausea and/or dizziness; weakness and exhaustion; and heavy sweating.

Heat stroke is life threatening, and occurs when the body’s systems are overwhelmed by heat and stops functioning. Signs of heat stroke include changes in levels of consciousness, vomiting, and red, hot, dry (or moist) skin.

Seniors, young children, and those who are ill or overweight are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. Never leave these persons, or pets, inside an automobile during extreme heat.

Listen to weather reports and note the heat index, which refers to how hot it really feels when the humidity is factored into the air temperature.

Take these other steps to avoid heat-related illnesses:
o Apply cool, wet cloths to the body.
o Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, a hat and sunglasses.
o Drink plenty of fluids; avoid alcohol and caffeine, because they dehydrate the body.
o Postpone outdoor related games and activities.
o If working outside, take frequent breaks and use a buddy system.
o Stay in the shade as much as possible.

If you do not have air conditioning, choose places where you can go for relief from the heat, such as libraries, theaters, malls, pools and beaches - especially during the warmest part of the day.

The City of Detroit has opened cooling centers for the summer, including ten Detroit Public Libraries, the Roberto Clemente Center, the Farwell Recreation Center, and three outdoor pools, including the Belle Isle Beach-Water Slide. For more information, contact the Detroit Department of Health and Wellness Promotion at 313-876-4786.

Oakland County offers two water parks: Red Oaks and Waterford Oaks, several county parks with water-related activities, and municipal beaches to cool off. For more information, go towww.oakgov.com.

Macomb County offers Metro Beach Metropark and Stony Creek Metropark, as well as municipal swimming pools. For more information: www.macombcountymi.gov.

Besides the Detroit facilities, Wayne County offers The Family Aquatic Center water park. Go to www.waynecounty.com for more information.

If heat-related emergencies occur, take the following precautions:
o Move the person to a cool place.
o Loosen tight and perspiration-soaked clothing.
o Apply cool, wet towels to the skin.
o Fan the person.
o If conscious, give the person small amounts of cool water to drink.

If the person starts to lose consciousness, refuses water or vomits:
o Send someone to call 9-1-1.
o Place the person on his or her side.
o Continue to cool the person using ice or cold packs.
o Continue to check for signs of life (breathing and movement).

Contact Andrea Tomaszewski at 248-224-5606

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