Beat the Heat this Summer

Posted On: July 8, 2024

With the heat index regularly topping 100 degrees, Volusia County Emergency Management officials recommend that people without air conditioning escape dangerous temperatures by finding cool places. This is especially important for children, the elderly, and people with disabilities or chronic illnesses, all of whom are particularly vulnerable to heat.

A cool place to start is the library. Volusia County's 14 public library branches are free and open to the public all year long. While you’re there, you can find a good book or magazine, log on to a computer, and even take part in some of the many programs the libraries offer.

If libraries aren’t your cup of tea, consider enjoying the cool water and ocean breezes at Volusia County's beaches. Or, you can make a trip to a mall, go to a movie theater, or visit a museum.

Heat related illnesses

Heat exhaustion begins with heavy sweating, cold and clammy skin, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps weakness, dizziness, headache, and possible fainting. If you experience these symptoms, move to a cool place, loosen your clothes, put cool, wet clothes on your body or take a cool shower, and sip water. Seek medical attention immediately if you are vomiting, your symptoms get worse, or your symptoms last longer than one hour.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. It’s characterized by a body temperature of 103 degrees or higher, hot and red skin, rapid pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and possible loss of consciousness. Call 911 right away, move the person to a cooler place, and lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath. Do not give the person anything to drink.

Stay cool

• Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing.
• Stay indoors in air conditioning, especially during the hottest part of the day.
• Schedule outdoor activities for early morning or later evening hours.
• Make a cold compress. If you find it hard to cool your body down, wet a washcloth with cold water or fill a bag with ice and then place on your forehead, the back of your neck, or your wrists for some quick cooling comfort. If you use ice, place a towel between the ice and your skin.
• Spray yourself with water. When temperatures soar, spritzing yourself with some cool water can keep you comfortable. As the water evaporates on your skin, it cools you.
• Create your own AC. If you don’t have an air conditioner, place a shallow bowl of ice in front of a fan to cool off the air that blows through the room.

Stay hydrated

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Drinking water is best. Avoid drinks with alcohol, caffeine, or lots of sugar. You may need to drink more than usual if you are exercising or sweating excessively. Foods with a high water content, like watermelon, are also hydrating.
• Drink sports drinks to replace salts and minerals after excessive sweat.

Stay informed

• Know the warning signs of heat related illness and how to treat them.
• Check the news regularly for weather updates.
• Check on your neighbors and friends.

Additional precautions

“If you feel overheated or unwell, act immediately,” said Emergency Management Director Clint Mecham. “Stop any strenuous activity, go somewhere cool, drink water or an electrolyte beverage, and cool off by taking a cold shower or holding something cold against your skin. Call someone for help or call 911 – before your condition compromises your thinking skills.”

Never, ever leave children, older adults, or pets alone in a car.