RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) – As temperatures in Central Virginia – and much of the East Coast – head into the triple digits, it is important to stay safe.
CBS 6 senior reporter Wayne Covil talked with Southside Virginia Emergency Crew Captain Annie Edwards Friday to get some expert tips on beating the heat.
First, Edwards said it is imperative to stay hydrated. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, since those can make you dehydrated.
Additionally, stay inside in the air-conditioning, if you possible. If you do not have AC, head to a public library or maybe a shopping mall.
You'll also want to limit outdoor activities. If you do have to exercise or work outside, make sure to use the buddy system.
People with diabetes, high blood pressure and heart problems also need to take special precautions.
If you do not feel thirty or are not sweating, it may be too late. Nausea, stomach cramps are all late signs that you could be dehydrated – or suffering heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Heat exhaustion involves loss of body fluids through heavy sweating during strenuous exercise or physical labor in high heat and humidity.
Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition where a person’s body is unable to cool itself.
Click here for more extreme heat safety tips from the Red Cross.
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