FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 30, 2005
CONTACT: Doc Kokol (850) 245-4111
** HURRICANE KATRINA INFORMATION SHEET**
Health Officials Caution About Heat Exhaustion
TALLAHASSEE – As Floridians begin the task of
recovery from a tropical storm or hurricane, health
officials ask individuals to be aware of the warning signs
of heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion is a milder form of
heat-related illness that can develop after several days of
exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced
replacement of fluids. Those most prone to heat exhaustion
are elderly people, people with high blood pressure and
people working or exercising in a hot environment.
WARNING SIGNS OF HEAT EXHAUSTION VARY BUT MAY INCLUDE
THE FOLLOWING:
- Heavy sweating
- Paleness
- Muscle cramps
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fainting
- Skin: may be cool and moist
- Pulse rate: fast and weak
- Breathing: fast and shallow
If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heat
stroke. Seek medical attention immediately if any of the
following occurs:
- Symptoms are severe.
- The victim has heart problems or high blood
pressure.
Otherwise, help the victim to cool off and seek medical
attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.
WHAT TO DO IF HEAT EXHAUSTION IS SUSPECTED:
Cooling measures that may be effective include the
following:
- Drinking cool, nonalcoholic beverages, as
directed by your physician
- Resting is an air-conditioned
environment
- Taking a cool shower, bath or sponge bath
-
Wearing lightweight clothing
- Preventing sun burn, which
damages the skin's ability to dissipate heat by wearing
sunscreen of 30 spf.
For further information, please contact your local county
health department or visit t
www.doh.state.fl.us or
www.FloridaDisaster.org.
The Florida Emergency Information Line: 1-800-342-3557
Public Information Emergency Support Function:
850-921-0384
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