During the summer months, many employees and their families spend more time outside. While outside, please take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from heat-related illnesses. People who are at highest risk for heat-related illnesses include people 65 and older, children younger than two, and people with chronic diseases or mental illness.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed a Warning Signs graphic to help you recognize the signs, symptoms, and treatment of four heat-related conditions: sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
If you care for others who are at a greater risk for heat-related illnesses, take the following actions:
- Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If necessary, spend time in air-conditioned public facilities (while practicing proper social distancing techniques) and use air conditioning while traveling in vehicles;
- Drink more water than usual; don’t wait until thirsty to drink; and
- Do not rely solely on a fan during hot days.
During outdoor physical activities, heat-related illnesses can impact everyone. You can mitigate hot weather effects by:
- Scheduling your outdoor activity for cooler times of the day;
- Wearing and reapplying sunscreen as directed on the container;
- Pacing your activity; start slow then gradually increase speed or intensity;
- Drinking more water than usual;
- Wearing loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing;
- Using the buddy system to monitor those in your care or teammates for heat-related illnesses; and
- Seeking medical care right away if anyone has symptoms of heat-related illness.
For more information, visit the CDC Hot Weather Tips page.
Last Updated: 08/06/2020