Beat the heat: Heat-related deaths can be prevented even in record temps

By COLIN MURPHEY
With temperatures in St. Mary Parish, the surrounding region and much of the U.S. nearing triple digits and considering forecasters are predicting the heat to linger for several more days before cooling off, authorities in the parish are urging people to take measures to prevent heat-related illnesses that has already contributed to one fatality in the area.
According to Franklin Fire Department Assistant Chief Jeff Hildreth, there have been multiple instances of heat-related illnesses in the parish recently, including a fatality involving a female in her mid-60s in which heat was a contributing factor.
Hildreth said, with temperatures in the upper 90s and heat indexes above 105 degrees, the heat advisory declared for the region should not be taken lightly by the public.
“It is the hottest start to any year so far,” Hildreth said. “We have responded to several heat-related emergencies so far this year. Heat-related problems are serious. We are setting record temperatures.”
Hildreth said prevention was the surest way to avoid succumbing to heat-related illness. Authorities are urging people spending time outdoors to drink plenty of fluids, the best source being water or beverages that contain electrolytes, and to refrain from alcohol. Replacing salt loss, using sunscreen and avoiding being outside during the hottest part of the day are also key to staying safe during a heat advisory.
“Many heat emergencies can be prevented,” Hildreth said. “Drink plenty of fluids. Water is the best thing to drink. Alcohol or caffeinated drinks are the worst thing you could drink. Avoid working during the hottest part of the day which, this time of year, is about from 10 in the morning to about four in the afternoon.”
Hildreth said signs of heat-related illness include profuse sweating, nausea, headache and thirst which can indicate heat exhaustion. Symptoms of heat stroke include the above mentioned signs of heat exhaustion as well as hot and dry flushed skin, unconsciousness and the absence of sweating. Hildreth said, in cases of heat exhaustion, the best measure to take is to move the afflicted person to a cool place and provide plenty of fluids and cool the person down with a wet towel. In suspected cases of heat stroke, Hildreth said 911 needs to be called immediately.
People spending time outdoors are not the only ones vulnerable to heat-related illnesses during a heat advisory according to Hildreth. He said people need to make sure that pets and animals that are outside need to be brought inside or, if that option is not available, pets need to be provided with a shaded shelter of some sort and plenty of clean drinking water. Hildreth also said people need to make sure to not leave children or pets in an unattended car for any period of time. He said temperatures in an unattended vehicle can quickly reach upwards of 170 degrees in a matter of moments.