PARKERSBURG - The American Red Cross is asking area residents to take precautions as temperatures reach dangerous heights this summer.
"Our goal is to give people the information they need to protect themselves and their families from heat-related illnesses," said Kay Villers, director of Preparedness and Health and Safety Services for the American Red Cross in Parkersburg.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about 400 Americans die each year due to summer heat. The risk is especially strong when temperatures rise above 90 degrees, and those more vulnerable are the very young and the elderly.
Signs of heat-related illnesses include nausea, dizziness, flushed or pale skin, heavy sweating and headaches. People with heat-related illness should be moved to a cool place, given cool water to drink and ice packs or cool wet cloths should be applied to the skin. If a victim refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness, people are advised to call 911 immediately, as permanent injury or even death can occur.
The National Weather Service in Charleston is forecasting high temperatures in the 80s through Sunday, with temperatures climbing back into the 90s next week.
Know what these heat-related terms mean:
* Heat cramps: Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in the legs or abdomen. They are caused by exposure to heat and humidity, and loss of fluids. Heat cramps are an early signal that the body is having trouble with the heat.
* Heat exhaustion: Heat exhaustion typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. Blood flow to the skin increases, causing blood flow to decrease to the vital organs. This results in a form of mild shock. If not treated, the victim may suffer heat stroke. Signals of heat exhaustion include: cool, moist, pale flushed or red skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion. Body temperature will be near normal.
* Heat stroke: Also known as sunstroke, heat stroke is life-threatening. The victim's temperature-control system, which produces sweat as a way of cooling the body, stops working. Body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly. Signals include: hot, red and dry skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing.
General care for heat emergencies:
* Heat exhaustion: Get the person to a cooler place and have him or her rest in a comfortable position. If the person is fully awake and alert, give half a glass of cool water every 15 minutes, and have the person drink slowly. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths to the skin. Fan the person. Call 911 or the local emergency number if the person refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness.
* Heat stroke: Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation. Call 911 or your local emergency number. Move the person to a cooler place. Quickly cool the body. Wrap wet towels or sheets around the body. Use a water hose, if available, to cool the victim. Watch for signals of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down and continue to cool the body. If the victim refuses water or is vomiting or there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink.
