How to Stay Safe in the Heat

It's been a hot few days out there in Westwood! 

With temperatures clocking in at around 91 degrees as of 1:30 p.m. Thursday, the heat shows no signs of letting up, and has even prompted the National Weather Service to implement a Heat Advisory through 7 p.m.

So, for those Westwood residents who aren't on vacation and want to know how to keep safe and cool this week, here are a few heat-safety tips, courtesy of our friends over at Norwood Patch:

• Dress for the heat - wear lightweight, light colored clothing.
• Carry water or juice with you and remember to drink it continuously throughout the day even if you are not thirsty.
• Again, STAY HYDRATED.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
• Slow down, avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity do it in the cooler hours of the morning.
• Take regular breaks when engaged in physical activity during warm days. Take time out to find a cool place. If you recognize that you, or someone else, is showing signs of heat related illness, stop activity and find a cool place.
• Signs of heat-related illness: Cool, moist, pale skin (skin may be red right after physical activity); headache; dizziness, weakness or exhaustion; nausea or vomiting; decreased alertness or complete loss of conciousness; high body temperature; rapid, weak pulse and/or rapid, shallow breathing.

For more on heat illness and its symptoms, visit the Medline Plus page of the National Institutes of Health.

Editor's Note: This information was originally published on June 21, 2011.