Reminders for Hot Weather in Iredell County

Black metal fan in a room with an orange curtain (duy duy/UnSplash).

The sun is shining but the heat is rising here in Iredell County. Residents look forward to spending this weekend chilling by the pool, basking in the sun and swimming in the lake. However, here are a few reminders to keep in mind during the heatwave this weekend.

Stay hydrated.

Always drink plenty of fluids when spending prolonged periods of time outside—this includes swimming, exercising, yard work and tanning. It is crucial to know the signs of dehydration within oneself and others. According to the American Red Cross, an average person needs to drink 3/4 gallon of water per day, depending on the person. Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks if possible. If you are sweating a lot, combine water with snacks or sports drinks to replace salt and minerals that you lose when you sweat.

Protect yourself from the sun.

It may be tempting to spend long, blistering hot days in the sun but it is important to take care of your skin and protect yourself from the sun. It is important to apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or over) every two hours, wear light weight, lose fitting clothing and take breaks in the shade or indoors. 

Your pets are impacted by the heat too!

It may be tempting to take your pet out for a walk to enjoy the weather too but they are impacted by heatwaves as well. Ensure that your pet is drinking plenty of fresh, cool water to keep themselves hydrated. Never leave your pet in a hot vehicle—even if you are going in and out of a store for something quick. Know the signs and symptoms of your pet overheating—difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. If your pet experiences heat exhaustion, take them to the nearest vet emergency room. 

Slow down—keep an eye on children and seniors.

Spending time with loved ones—children and seniors—during the summer may sound like a fun plan, however, it may be smart to reschedule plans for early morning or evenings. Children, seniors and anyone with health conditions may experience negative impacts from the heat. It never hurts to ask your friends or family members if they experience issues with the heat. 

Never leave your children or babies in a parked car. According to the National Weather Service, the temperature inside a vehicle can rise 20 degrees in as little as 10 minutes, and 50 degrees in an hour– even when outside air temperatures are in the 70's. It is important to never leave children unattended in a parked vehicle and to check your backseats before exiting the vehicle. If you see a child unattended in a vehicle, immediately call 9-1-1. 

Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion versus heat stroke.

It is crucial to know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke during extreme weather. Heat exhaustion can have the following symptoms: feeling faint or dizzy, excessive sweating, cool, pale, clammy skin, nausea or vomiting, rapid or weak pulse and muscle cramps. It is important to move yourself or the person to cooler, air conditioned space, drink water and take a shower or use cold compresses. The symptoms for heat stroke include: throbbing headache, confusion, no sweating, body temperature above 103º, red, hot, dry skin, nausea or vomiting, rapid, strong pulse and may lose consciousness. If you or another person experiences these symptoms, call 9-1-1, move into a cooler place, cool using cloths or bath and do not give anything to drink. 

Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion versus heat stroke (National Weather Service).