Crime & Safety

Gwinnett Fire Officials Offer Heat Tips

Heat can be dangerous and even fatal when extreme temperatures are reached. Here are tips to stay safe.

With temperatures settling in the 90s and reaching triple digits, Gwinnett Fire and Emergency Services is offering tips that residents across metro Atlanta can use to beat the heat.

Summer heat tips:

• Stay hydrated during outdoor activities by drinking plenty of cool refreshing water. 

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• Take a cool shower, especially after outdoor activities or long exposure to the sun.

• Wear clothing that is lightweight, light-colored, and loose fitting.  A brimmed hat and sunglasses provide protection to the head, face and eyes.

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• When outdoors remember to use plenty of sunscreen and always look for shaded areas to rest or to take breaks. 

• Monitor weather conditions and consider staying indoors in the air conditioning when temperatures soar into the 90’s.  You may want to limit outdoor activities to early morning or late evening to avoid the hottest part of the day.  

Heat-related emergencies:

Heat Exhaustion: Signs and symptoms include rapid, shallow breathing, cold, clammy skin, heavy perspiration, general weakness, muscle cramps and possible loss of consciousness. Heat exhaustion can rapidly progress to heat stroke if the victim remains exposed and does not replenish lost fluids.

Heat Stroke:  Signs and symptoms include deep breaths followed by shallow breathing, a rapid strong pulse followed by rapid, weak pulse, dry hot skin, dilated pupils, loss of consciousness / possible coma, and possibly seizures or muscular twitching. Heat stroke is a serious life threatening emergency wherein the victim's cooling system has failed and prolonged high body temperature could result in brain damage or even death.

How to take action in emergencies:

• Get the person to a cool shaded area out of direct sunlight (indoors and in the air conditioning is preferred.)

• Loosen tight or constrictive clothing.

• Rapidly cool the person by placing cold-wet cloths under the arms, between the legs, and on the back of the neck.  (a cool mist or spray of water is also helpful).

• Fan the person to help lower the body temperature.

• If the person is conscious and alert and if their breathing is normal, hydrate them by providing cool water to drink.  Avoid drinks with alcohol or high sugar contents. 

• Call for medical help as soon as possible.


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