Hot tips to help you beat the heat

Last year more than 30 people died from heat-related illness in Missouri, according to information provide by the Camden County Emergency Management Office.
The key is to learn what the symptoms are and what to do to avoid them, Camden County Emergency Management Director Denise Russell said.
“If you stop sweating, it’s too late – that’s a 9-1-1 call. If you feel sick, stop what you are doing and rest,” Russell said.
She offered the following advice for coping with high temperatures:
Before extreme heat
To prepare for extreme heat, you should:
• Install window air conditioners snugly; insulate if necessary.
• Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
• Install temporary window reflectors (for use between windows and drapes), such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside.
• Weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in.
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers. (Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent.)
• Keep storm windows up all year.
During a heat emergency
The following are guidelines for what you should do if the weather is extremely hot:
• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
• Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.
• Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls or other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.
• Eat well-balanced, light and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• Drink plenty of water. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney or liver disease, are on fluid-restricted diets, or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
• Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
• Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle.
• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat. Take frequent breaks.
Contact this reporter at charisp@lakesunleader.com