Heat Advisory for Montgomery County

With hot and humid temperatures forecasted today,  Montgomery County residents are encouraged to find places where they can stay cool and to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.

Most at risk are young children, the elderly, and people with health problems such as asthma, who are susceptible to heat-related illnesses like heat stroke and exhaustion.

Libraries, recreation centers, and pools are good places to cool off, along with shopping malls and movie theaters. To quickly find the location of public facilities, go to the My Montgomery website at http://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mymontgomery and type in your location.

The website includes locations of pools, parks, libraries, regional services centers, recreation centers, Metro stations, hospitals, and golf courses. Residents with questions about specific locations and hours of operation should call 311.

By taking the following precautions, residents can remain safe and comfortable during this summer’s hot and humid days.

• Stay indoors whenever possible. Avoid strenuous activities that can result in overexposure to the sun. If you must do a strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, usually before 9 a.m.

• When outdoors, wear proper protection from the sun. Wear light-colored, light weight, and loose fitting clothing, a hat, and sunscreen.

• Drink plenty of water. Dehydration, cramps, exhaustion, or heat stroke can result from not drinking enough fluids. Avoid drinks containing alcohol or caffeine.

• Check frequently on elderly relatives or neighbors and other at-risk individuals.

• Never leave pets or young children in a car, even with the windows cracked.

Knowing the symptoms of heat exposure can prevent a serious heat illness from becoming life threatening. Should any of the following occur, get out of the heat, loosen any tight or heavy clothing, and drink plenty of water:

• Heat cramps: symptoms include painful muscle spasms, usually involving the abdominal muscles or legs;

• Heat exhaustion: first signs are cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, dizziness, nausea, headache

•Heat stroke: the most serious sign of overexposure. Symptoms include red, hot, dry skin, weak pulse, rapid breathing, and changes in consciousness. Seek emergency medical attention by calling 911.

Find more information at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/

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