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Jul 31, 2006 11:35 am US/Eastern
Tips To Beat The Heat
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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It's easy to get creative when it comes to beating the heat.
AP
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With the mercury rising, city officials urge caution and offer tips to stay cool.
CBS
With hot temperatures and humidity in the forecast, the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) urges New Yorkers to take appropriate steps to stay cool.
People planning to spend time outdoors should be mindful of the heat and heed the following tips to stay safe:
1. If possible, stay out of the sun. When in the sun, wear sunscreen (at least SPF 15) and a hat to protect your face and head.
2. To prevent sunburn, wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible.
3. Drink fluids -- particularly water -- even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool.
4. Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine.
5. Eat small, frequent meals. Avoid high-protein foods.
6. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
7. Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun's peak hours -- 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you must engage in strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.
8. Find a cooling center. When the heat index is predicted to be dangerously high, New York City opens cooling centers around the five boroughs. To find the center nearest you, call 311 or access
NYC.gov.
9. Consider going to public pools and air-conditioned stores, malls or movie theaters.
10. Cool down with repeated cool baths or showers.
11. Never take a shower immediately after becoming overheated -- you may cool down too quickly and become ill, nauseated or dizzy.
12. Never leave children, pets, or those who require special care in a parked car during periods of intense summer heat.
13. Make a special effort to check on your neighbors during a heat wave, especially if they are elderly, have young children, or have special needs.
Source:
New York Office of Emergency Management.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
