Tips to Avoid Heat Related Emergencies

Excessive heat exposure caused more than 8,000 deaths between 1979 and 2003 in the United States.

Tom Mackin, paramedic supervisor for the Lakewood Fire Department, shared a few tips to staying safe this summer.

“The big thing is to keep hydrated," he said.

Mackin added that early-season heat waves are more dangerous because it takes the body longer to become acclimated with the temperature changes.

"During this period, more people in this country died from extreme heat than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes combined," according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"Do things in moderation — don’t spend a lot of time in the sun," Mackin said. "Common sense is huge. It's best to take it easy today."

Aside from common sense actions, like wearing sunblock, wearing light clothing, drinking water and staying in the shade, Mackin and other experts say there are more ways to avoid heat related emergencies.

• Don't drink just anything: Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid coffee, soda (caffeine) and alcohol. Water and sports drinks can replenish your salt and electrolyte loss that happens when we perspire.
• Enjoy some air conditioning: The experts say that air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death. Stay indoors if you have a cool environment such as air conditioning, if not, you can go to a shopping mall or . 
• Avoid high noon outdoor plans: Plan your activities around the extremes of the day. If you want to do outdoor activities, try to limit them to the early morning and late evening hours when the temperature and sun is less intense. 

"We were at earlier today, and someone was using an umbrella," Mackin said. "That’s a good idea."

Infants, children and people 65 and older are even more susceptible to the heat changes. But, heat related deaths and illness are preventable at any age.

The following is an excerpt from cdc.gov:

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature. The body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include the following:

• An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F, orally)
• Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Unconsciousness

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids.

Warning signs of heat exhaustion include the following:

• Heavy sweating
• Paleness
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fainting 

In any of these cases you should seek immediate medical attention by either contacting your doctor or EMS.

"If anyone feels lightheaded get into the shade," he said. "If anyone starts vomiting, call us. that's what we are here for."

Temperatures are expected to climb into the  with a UV index of 10, which has potential match a record high of 92 from 1944.