The Rhode Island Department of Health is reminding residents to take safety precautions during the ongoing heat.
When it is very hot and humid, sweating isn’t enough to cool the body, and body temperature can rise quickly, the department said. High temperatures can cause heat stroke, heat exhaustion or heat cramps.
Certain populations are at increased risk for heat-related illness during periods of extreme heat, including babies and young children, people who are pregnant, children and teens with asthma, older adults, people who work or exercise outdoors, people who use substances, people who take medications that affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature and people with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity.
When outside during extreme heat, the department recommends staying out of direct sun and in shaded areas, wearing a brimmed hat and sunscreen, drinking plenty of water while avoiding alcohol and caffeine, pacing yourself during exercise, scheduling outdoor events early in the morning when it is cooler and wearing light-colored, lightweight clothing.
When inside, officials advise using air conditioning or fans, windows and shades to keep the home cool, taking cool showers or baths, avoiding cooking hot food indoors during the hottest part of the day and drinking plenty of water. The department also reminds residents to never leave children, pets or older adults in unattended cars during periods of extreme heat.
Residents are encouraged to check on friends, family and neighbors during periods of extreme heat and to watch for warning signs. Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating; cold, pale and clammy skin; nausea or vomiting; tiredness; dizziness; or headache. If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion, the department advises moving them to a cool place, putting a cool, wet cloth on their body and having them sip water. Medical help should be called if symptoms get worse or last longer than one hour.
Some cities and towns have cooling centers open to those who need shelter during periods of extreme heat. To find a cooling center, residents can call 2-1-1 or visit riema.ri.gov/resources/cooling-centers.
Additional resources are available on RIDOH’s extreme heat web page at health.ri.gov/climate-change/extreme-heat and through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov/heat-health.
