HEAT ILLNESS FACTS

With the days already hot, it is important to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses, which occur when the body is unable to cool itself efficiently after exposure to heat stressors.

Heat illness is a serious medical condition that can lead to death if the body’s core temperature is not cooled down promptly. Heat illness includes: heat cramps, heat rash, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The risks are particularly high for individuals who work outdoors. Certain personal factors such as chronic health conditions, age, prescription medications, etc. can inhibit the body’s ability to cool itself during warm weather.

Learn to recognize some of the signs and symptoms of heat illness (i.e., weakness, nausea, vomiting, headache, moist/clammy skin, fever, dizziness, lethargy, feeling faint and muscle cramps).

If you may work outdoors or be exposed to the heat for extended periods, please follow the recommendations from the following flyers: