As warmer days return to Florida, it’s time to prepare for the summer heat. After cooler months, proactively adopting safety habits is key to preventing heat-related illness.
Here’s what you need to know:
Prioritize Hydration:
- Drink Water Consistently: Don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Sip water regularly throughout the day.
- Increase Intake When Active: If you’re outdoors or exercising, drink more water than usual.
- Limit Certain Drinks: Reduce intake of sugary sodas, caffeine, and alcohol, as these can contribute to dehydration.
- Consider Electrolytes: During intense activity or prolonged sweating, sports drinks can help replace lost electrolytes, but water is usually sufficient.
- Eat Hydrating Foods: Incorporate fruits and vegetables with high water content (like watermelon, celery, oranges, cucumbers) into your diet.
READ: From Publix Groceries To Gold: Florida Man Strikes It Rich With $1 Million Scratch-Off Win
Protect Your Skin from the Sun:
- Use Sunscreen Daily: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher generously about 15-30 minutes before sun exposure.
- Reapply Often: Reapply sunscreen every two hours, and more frequently after swimming, sweating heavily, or towel drying.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Choose lightweight, loose-fitting garments in light colors.
- Use Hats and Sunglasses: Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, ears, and neck, and use UV-blocking sunglasses to shield your eyes.
Be Smart About Timing and Activity:
- Avoid Peak Heat Hours: Limit strenuous outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are strongest.
- Seek Shade: When outdoors, stay in shaded areas as much as possible.
- Take Breaks: If working or exercising outside, take frequent rests in cool, shaded, or air-conditioned environments.
- Pace Yourself: Don’t overdo it, especially when first adjusting to warmer weather.
READ: Florida Mom Killed, Daughter Critically Injured In Violent Stabbing; Ex-Boyfriend Arrested
Know the Warning Signs of Heat Illness:
- Heat Exhaustion: Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, cool/moist skin, fainting/dizziness, nausea, headache, and muscle cramps. If you experience these, move to a cooler location, rest, loosen clothing, and sip water.
- Heatstroke (Medical Emergency): Symptoms include a very high body temperature (103°F+), hot/red/dry skin (or sometimes profuse sweating), rapid pulse, confusion, dizziness, and potential unconsciousness. Call 911 immediately if you suspect heatstroke. Cool the person rapidly while waiting for help.
Protect Vulnerable Individuals and Pets:
- Check on Others: Regularly check on infants, young children, older adults, individuals with chronic health conditions, and neighbors who live alone.
- Never Leave Anyone in a Parked Car: Temperatures inside vehicles can soar to deadly levels within minutes, even with windows cracked. Never leave children or pets unattended in a car.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
