KFOXTV.com News 

Story

Tips To Prepare You For Triple-Digit Heat

With triple-digit temperatures this week, the El Paso Fire Department reminds the public to take precautions to avoid becoming a victim of the heat.

So far, fire officials said two individuals have died from the heat.

Those most at risk of heat-related illnesses are people older than 65, the very young, the obese and those with blood or sweat-related illnesses or medications, said fire officials.

El Paso fire officials offer the following safety tips:

Dehydration: occurs when your body becomes depleted of water and loses its ability to cool off by generating sweat. You will feel thirsty, weak, dizzy, faint. Headaches occur, and fatigue sets in.
The Fix: Quickly get into a cool place and drink plenty of cold water. Get out of the sun and humid places at once. Sit in front of a fan or take a cool shower to lower body temperature.

Heat Exhaustion:
When heat exhaustion begins, you'll likely have a headache, feel tired, feel nauseous, feel faint and your skin will become damp and clammy. Your face will likely become flushed because of an increased body temperature. The Fix: Get the effected person to a cool place immediately and get them cool water to drink. Place a fan in front of them to help cool the body.

Heat Stroke:
Heat stroke can kill you if you don't act at once. The signs of heat stroke include hot dry skin; a very high temperature; and at this point, you may lose consciousness or notice a rapid pulse or convulsions may begin. The Fix: If the person does become unconscious, call the paramedics (call 911) and soak the person in cool water to bring down the body temperature. Heat stroke can be deadly if you don't get emergency help immediately.

What Leads To Heat Stress?
1. The weather condition, including temperature and humidity.

2. Your physical weight.

3. How much clothing you wear and the material it is made out of.

4. Your physical condition.

5. If you are overexerting yourself by lifting too much or running.

6. Too much time in the hot sun or heat.

7. Lack of air flow

6 Ways to Protect Yourself from Heat Stress
1. Hydrate yourself before you go out in the sun or heated days.

2. Keep your body hydrated by drinking 5 to 7 ounces of cool water every 15-20 minutes.

3. Take time to cool off under a shade tree, fan or an air conditioned area.

4. Do the most stressful jobs in the cooler part of the day.

5. Work in the shade when possible.

6. Wear loose-fitting clothing to help your body dissipate heat.

More Headlines

KFOX-TV on Facebook

KFOX Poll

Do you think New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson should pardon "Billy the Kid?"
Most Popular

Celebrity Spotlight

It's been 21 years since the likes of Dustin Diamond, Mario Lopez and Elizabeth Berkley went to school with "Saved by the Bell." What are the stars up to today? View Images ››

Something Extra

Check out these 20 tidbits about the NFL before the 2010 season kicks off. Full Story ››